Franchise Frontier

Is business ownership really passive… or is that just what people want to believe?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with JT and Michelle Thompson,owners of Stand Strong Fencing in San Antonio to break down the real truth behind building and scaling multiple businesses.   From military service to real estate, retail, and now home services, JT and Michelle share the lessons they've learned about leadership, hiring, growth, and what it actually takes to succeed.   They dive into:   Why "passive business" is a myth The realities of hiring and leading people How to scale multiple businesses the right way Why grit matters more than talent The power of building in your local community   If you're considering business ownership or already in the game, this episode will challenge your mindset and give you a clearer picture of what success really demands.

What happens when you decide to reinvent yourself… instead of slowing down?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Cheryl Alker, owner of Blingle Premier Lighting of Fort Myers, Florida, to unpack her journey from lifelong entrepreneur to building a thriving home services business later in life.   Cheryl shares what it really takes to start and grow a business from early struggles and first wins to scaling through strategic partnerships, customer experience, and community impact.   This episode is packed with real-world insight on:   Building trust in a "trust recession" Creating standout customer experiences Scaling through relationships and reputation Navigating seasonality and growth challenges   If you're thinking about business ownership or already in it his is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and doing things the right way.

What if you didn't have to start your business by knocking on doors… because those doors were already open?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Derek Witt, President of Strategic Partnerships at HorsePower Brands, to break down one of the most overlooked advantages in franchising—access. They unpack what strategic partnerships really are, why they create a massive competitive edge, and how franchisees can leverage relationships that would otherwise take years to build on their own. If you're exploring business ownership or looking for ways to grow faster and smarter, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the right partnerships can change everything.    

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Chris Jenkins, owner of Stand Strong Fencing in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Chris shares the unexpected path that led him from a 20-year career in oil and gas engineering into franchise ownership after the industry downturn in 2020. What started as curiosity about business ownership turned into launching and scaling a fencing franchise while also managing another financial services business. Chris dives into the realities of franchise ownership — from SBA financing delays and hiring challenges to managing subcontractors, navigating unexpected setbacks, and building systems that allow a semi-involved owner model to work. He also shares valuable lessons about leadership, hiring, vendor relationships, and the mindset required to thrive as a business owner.   If you're considering buying a franchise or launching a service business, this conversation offers honest insights about what it actually takes to succeed.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Jeffrey Sweatt, owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Birmingham, to talk about the moment he decided to leave corporate media behind and step into business ownership.   After two decades in television and digital advertising, Jeff reached a turning point. Corporate consolidation, lack of control, and the desire to build something local pushed him to explore franchise ownership. That decision ultimately led him to launch the first Bumble Bee Blinds location in Alabama.   Jeff shares what the first year of ownership really looks like, from navigating supply chain challenges to learning the product in real time and building a strong team culture. He also discusses the importance of hiring people who align personally and professionally, the realities of working more hours early on, and how customer reviews and community involvement keep him motivated.   If you are considering leaving a corporate career, investing in a franchise, or starting your own business, this conversation offers a transparent look at the journey from employee to owner.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Kelli Katzman and Chelsea Turner, owners of Blingle of Central Texas. From pharmaceutical sales to outdoor lighting entrepreneurs, they share what it really takes to leave a stable W-2 career, navigate funding challenges, survive their first chaotic holiday season, and build a brand that wins "Best of Liberty Hill" in year one.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Jonathan Watts, owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Fleming Island, to unpack his journey from corporate equipment sales to full-time business ownership.

On this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, host Dave Kimura speaks with Tim Disbrow, owner of Varsity Zone HVAC of North Phoenix, Arizona, chose franchise ownership because he wanted to build a business that leaned into his strengths.  

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dwight Dunmire, owner of Stand Strong Fencing of Fort Myers, Florida, shares how his background in home development, operating multiple dealerships, and a deep understanding of marketing helped him build momentum fast in the fencing industry.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Josh Stewart, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing of Bentonville, Arkansas, shares the honest story of his transition from chemical engineer to business owner.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Michelle Blomberg shares her incredible journey from taking over her parents' company to becoming an industry leader, shaping culture, developing leaders, and planning a powerful exit strategy.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we sit down with Wyatt Henton, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing of Kansas City, who talks about why decided to invest into a roofing company franchise over big names like McDonald's and others.

Eric Schechterman with FranFund joins the Franchise Frontier Podcast to break down franchise funding strategies, why capital is key for growth, and how FranFund supports entrepreneurs on their journey to business ownership.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, entrepreneur Micah Burgess shares how he transitioned from flipping houses in Nebraska to owning a successful Heroes Lawn Care franchise in South Austin, Texas. He breaks down what it takes to grow in the home services space and offers practical advice for aspiring business owners.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, IT expert Jacob Bischoff shares some of the most common traps new business owners fall for when it comes to cybersecurity. Bischoff is the co-founder of RIVNT, an Omaha, Nebraska-based managed IT services and cybersecurity company that supports franchise owners and other businesses.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we sit down with Camden Anderson, owner of Varsity Zone HVAC of Tampa, Florida, to hear his journey from investment banking and private equity to building his own HVAC business with HorsePower Brands.

Drew Hall, owner of Stand Strong Fencing of West Chester, shares how he's growing a successful business by leveraging the power of local networking and grassroots marketing on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Phil Crutchfield shares his full-circle journey on the Franchise Frontier Podcast, from entrepreneur to franchise owner of Mighty Dog Roofing and Blingle! and ultimately founder of Varsity Zone HVAC.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Jeremy Morgan, Group President of HorsePower Brands, helps us explore underrated industries and their big payoff potential.

As a lifelong entrepreneur and founder of HorsePower Brands, Josh Skolnick has spent years refining his approach to business ownership, growth, and leadership. On this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Skolnick reflects on the lessons he's learned from early days in a family business to launching and scaling multiple successful franchise systems.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we sit down with Chris Stone, owner of Heroes Lawn Care in South Jacksonville, Florida, to talk about transitioning from corporate life to business ownership, overcoming early challenges, and the support systems that made it all possible.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we're joined by Tony Hulbert, CEO of HorsePower Brands. Tony dives into his journey from corporate America to co-founding one of the fastest-growing franchise platforms in the country.

Barb Betts, a real estate entrepreneur, speaker, and leader talks about what it takes to lead a successful team in business on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Chad Shepler, the franchise owner of Gatsby Glass in Austin, Texas, shares his background in architecture and decades of experience launching and scaling businesses. Learn how he's building a premier service for custom builders and general contractors in a booming market on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we sit down with Tony Perzow, a world-class negotiation expert, author, and keynote speaker. Perzow shares his strategies for mastering negotiation, driving business value, and navigating high-stakes decision-making as a leader in the franchise and entrepreneurial space.

Matt Rathgeb, founder of Groovy Hues Painting, shares his journey from launching a new brand to scaling it across competitive markets on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Brad Saunders, Brand President of Heroes Lawn Care, shares his journey from independent business ownership to leading one of the fastest-growing lawn care franchise brands on the newest episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Azeem Niazi walked away from the corporate grind to build a Bumble Bee Blinds Franchise of his own. Azeem shares what it's really like transitioning from a structured 9-to-5 career into the dynamic world of business ownership on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Sarah Moriarty, Director of Business Development at Benetrends, shares her journey and unpacks the funding options every entrepreneur should know.

Suave Brachowski, Brand President of Blingle! and Varsity Zone, sits down with host Dave Kimura to unpack his incredible journey—from working at McDonald's to leading some of the most innovative brands in the home services franchise space. Listen to Brachowski's story on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Franchise Frontier podcast host Dave Kimura chats with Alex Siegler, owner of Stand Strong Fencing of East Austin, to talk about launching his franchise, overcoming early challenges, and planning for long-term growth.

Nels Peterson, an award winning lighting designer with over 35 years of experience, shares his insights into the growing landscape, holiday, and permanent lighting industry on this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast. Nels serves as the Vice President of Blingle! Premier Lighting.

Trust is absolutely everything when it comes to home services, says Chris Rahill, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Chris shares his experience with us on the newest episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast.

Brad McGowan, a seasoned entrepreneur and now proud owner of Blingle! Premier Lighting in Plano, Texas, shares his inspiring journey from selling his insurance business to building a family-run lighting company with his wife and sons.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dustin Selzer, director of sales at Horsepower Brands, dives deep into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the sales process. With over a decade in home sales and training, Dustin shares real-world insights on AI tools, 3D rendering, and more.

Chris Conlee, director of marketing at Horsepower Brands, shares a masterclass in what it takes to scale franchise businesses with smart, tailored marketing—not cookie-cutter solutions.

Duke Mosley, a West Point graduate and former medical sales executive, shares his story and challenges as a semi-involved franchise owner of iFOAM.

After decades in corporate careers, Mandy and Joe Chapman transitioned into franchise ownership, leveraging their experience in real estate and sales to build a successful fencing business. Together, they own Stand Strong Fencing of South Fort Worth, Texas. 

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, we sit down with Tom Burl, the owner of Mighty Dog Roofing in Benton Harbor, Michigan. After spending 30+ years in corporate America as a sourcing and supply chain executive, Tom decided to follow his lifelong entrepreneurial dreams.

We're taken back in time to the fencing industry of yesterday with Daniel Roberts, Vice President of Stand Strong Fencing. Roberts shares what the industry landscape and competition look like today.

Kelley Hoven shares her story as a female leader in franchising in a world dominated by men. Hoven was named one of Franchise Dictionary Magazine's 50 Women of Wonder in 2024.

Don Schneider, Group President at HorsePower Brands, explains how Mighty Dog Roofing is able to earn the trust of residential customers even though roofing contractors are considered the least trusted in the industry.