Franchise Secrets Podcast Erik Van Horn

As you start growing your company, you need the right people on your team. Even if you're the CEO, you can’t be the only one leading the company’s direction and strategy. You need a strong team of A-players to challenge your ideas and contribute new ones. 
 
Building a strategy should be easy when you have the right people in the right positions. Attracting and retaining top talent is the challenging part. Hiring can be tricky, and sometimes, it can feel like you may never find the right fit.
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
In this episode, Erik discusses the process of recruiting and keeping A-players with Mike Michalowicz. Mike is a keynote speaker and business author of multiple books, including Profit First and All In. He has built four multi-million-dollar companies and sold two of them–one to private equity and another to a Fortune 500 company. 
 
His extensive knowledge and insights have empowered countless individuals and businesses worldwide to achieve unprecedented levels of profitability and growth.


His new book, All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams, guides today's conversation. If you are currently hiring or just pooling for talent, this episode will give you a unique perspective and great insights. 
 
“The number one thing that all business owners can do is hire a personal assistant and have them be your frontline. If you don't have a personal assistant, you are hobbling the company.” - Mike Michalowicz
 
In This Episode:
- How great companies attract A-players
- Making your search more specific
- How local companies can find potential team members
- Hire for potential, not for experience: What does this mean?
- Free tools and resources from Mike 
- How to retain good employees
- Why leadership and relationships are important
- Why taking extended vacations is a must for leaders
- How to raise the bar and empower employees to step up
- Why micromanaging and being always available are not good practices
- Why should you hire a personal assistant?
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
🌐 Get the Free Tools from Mike Michalowicz - https://mikemichalowicz.com/get-the-tools/
 
Connect with Mike Michalowicz:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/
🌐 Website - https://mikemichalowicz.com/
 
Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/

Emerging brands often find themselves in a competitive marketplace full of established brands. With only a dream and a tight budget, how can these new brands, which are typically rough around the edges, become successful?
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
Dan Rowe, the founder of Fransmart, shares his insights on franchising and growing emerging brands. He has solid experience taking early-stage, emerging brands to new heights of success using his proven framework. 
 
In today's conversation with Erik, Dan shares insights on shaping a rough concept into a successful brand and the importance of brand and concept in franchising. He discusses the transformation of a brand's look and feel and the franchising business system. 
 
Dan emphasizes the magic of a successful brand and the power of membership pre-sales. He also highlights the value of learning from successful people and the pitfalls of ego and poor fundamentals. Overall, Dan provides valuable insights for anyone interested in franchising, whether as a franchisee or a franchisor. 
 
Tune in to gain indispensable insights for navigating the franchising world, especially as you grow and scale your business and become a multi-unit franchisee.
 
“There's no money in single-unit franchises. All the money is in franchises with five or ten or more units.” - Dan Rowe
 
In This Episode:
- A Brief Background About Dan Rowe and Fransmart
- Similarities in Growth Strategies for Emerging Brands
- Balancing Visionary and Operational Roles
- Founder's Leadership Lid
- Shaping a Rough Concept into a Successful Brand
- Hiring the Right People for Marketing and Sales
- Single-Unit Franchising vs. Multi-Unit Franchising
- Building a Business for Saleability
- Working with Smart Advisors and Investment Bankers
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
 
Connect with Dan Rowe:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrowe3/
🌐 Website - https://fransmart.com/
 
Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

New beginnings are worth celebrating, so it’s not uncommon for new businesses or franchisees to hold a grand opening event. Whether it’s your first franchise or your 10th, the grand opening is an exciting milestone that must be carefully planned. 
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
In this conversation, Brooke Budke, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and founder of Momentum Brands, discusses the importance of grand openings in franchise businesses. She emphasizes the need for a well-planned and executed grand opening strategy, including capturing leads and building a database of customers for long-term success. 
 
Brooke also highlights the significance of grassroots marketing and community engagement in driving brand awareness and customer acquisition. She provides practical advice for franchisees in systems with limited marketing support and emphasizes the importance of effective communication between franchisors and franchisees. 
 
Overall, Brooke emphasizes the value of progress and continuous improvement in business and personal life.
 
Join Erik and Brooke for an engaging conversation on the secrets to a successful launch!
 
“You can write the best-laid plan, and then if you can't communicate it with your franchisees, it's just not gonna work... I think that's the beauty and the beast of franchising.” - Brooke Budke
 
In This Episode:
- Who is Brooke Budke?
- The importance of grand openings
- Distinguishing between soft openings and grand openings
- Capturing leads and building a database
- Grassroots marketing and community engagement
- Factors influencing grand opening success
- Effective communication between Franchisors and Franchisees
- Advice for Franchisees in systems with limited marketing support
- Building momentum and progress in business and life
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
 
Connect with Brooke Budke:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebudke/
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brookebudke/
🌐 Company Website - www.themomentumbrands.com
🌐 Personal Website - www.brookebudke.com
 
Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

If you’re contemplating investing in a franchise, one thing you should consider is whether you have the skills required to become a business owner. Although you don’t need a lot of business experience because most franchisors will provide thorough training, there are a number of skills that are extremely helpful, especially if you’re investing in a complex business. 
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
Now, if you’re wondering what it takes to be a top franchisee in a system that has complexities, Andy Myers is here to share his insights. He is the President of AMMA Development Group and a multi-unit franchise owner at Restore Hyper Wellness and goGLOW. Early in both brands, Andy and his team discovered that they like to be pioneers in developing systems and success alongside the franchisor. 
 
Join Erik and Andy as they discuss how to be a successful franchisee, what to look for in brands and the founders, the importance of having trusted advisors, and the lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands. Andy also shares three valuable things every aspiring franchisee should know. 
 
“People should love it when they're faced with something that they're not sure how to do. They should lean into that because that's one more step toward success.” - Andy Ayers
 
In This Episode:
- How Andy got into franchising
- How do you become a successful franchisee?
- How scary is it to leave the security of a regular paycheck?
- Andy's criteria for choosing the brands to invest in
- How does Front Street Equity Partners help franchisees succeed?
- Lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands 
- How to find trusted advisors 
- Do you have Rembrandts in the attic?
- The main roles you need in your organization and why
- What is it about the goGLOW founder that made Andy want to partner with her?
- Andy's top advice to everyone listening
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
🌐 Scaling Up by Verne Harnish - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593
 
Connect with Andy Ayers:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayersandrew/
 

Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
 

As you begin your journey into franchising, chances are you will travel along the path many franchisors and franchisees have experienced. For some, it can be a fantastic journey. However, others get frustrated and decide that franchising is not for them. 
 
Franchisees go through different stages in their relationship with a franchisor. Franchisors should understand and communicate with franchisees at each stage. 
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
On the other hand, franchisees may feel a sense of independence and desire for freedom, but it is important to recognize the value of the franchise system. The ultimate goal is to reach the 'We Stage,' where franchisees and franchisors work together for mutual success.
 
Some of you are doing it right, and some of you need to understand what happens in each stage so you can work toward getting to the next stage. 
 
Today's conversation between Erik and Jeff explores the six stages of franchisee-franchisor relationships, from the initial excitement and optimism to the eventual realization of the importance of working together. 
 
“Anything in this life is definitely more fun doing it with other people. That is literally a human connection. Yes, there's a sense of achievement when you do something on your own, by yourself, and nobody helps you. But it's never as rewarding as going through life with a partner, a friend, a business associate, or a franchisor and doing it together, where you can hug and high-five. That's what it's all about.” - Jeff Herr
 
In This Episode:
- What can you expect during the Glee Stage?
- What happens during the Fee Stage?
- How do franchisees feel during the Me Stage?
- Why is being stuck in the Free Stage not an excellent place to be?
- Why is it fun to be in the See Stage?
- What happens when you reach the We Stage?
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
🌐 The Franchise E-Factor by Greg Nathan - https://www.franchiserelationships.com/shop/the-franchise-e-factor/
 
Connect with Jeff Herr:
🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a
 
Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

Whether you're new to franchising or running a successful business, you may still need guidance on your next steps. Who do you ask for advice when you're in that situation?
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr
 
For the last few episodes, Erik and his business partner, Jeff Herr from Front Street Equity Partners, have been offering valuable advice on how to succeed in franchising. 
 
In this week's conversation, they discuss the challenges and strategies for franchisors and franchisees in opening and developing territories. They emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation and the need for strategic planning and protecting the brand. 
 
They also highlight the significance of territory size, market strength, and scale in achieving success. Additionally, they provide actionable advice, such as seeking free help and advice from experienced individuals in the industry and attending conferences to network and learn from others.
 
If you need a franchising blueprint or solid advice, today's episode is exactly what you need!
 
“If you're in a franchise system, both the franchisor and the franchisee have to pay homage to the brand. The stronger the brand, the more valuable the brand is for both parties and collectively. It's incredibly important.” - Jeff Herr
 
In This Episode:
- How do franchisors get more franchisees open vs. franchisees sold or territories sold? 
- The importance of territory size: Does a bigger territory equate to higher profitability?
- How does your funding plan look? Finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation
- The impact of territory proximity on profitability: Strategic planning
- The challenges of exclusive territories
- Questions franchisees and franchisors must ask themselves to determine the right growth strategy
- How to get free help and advice for franchising success
 
Resources: 
🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/
 
Connect with Jeff Herr:
🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a
 
Connect with Erik Van Horn:
🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb 
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
🎥 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA 
Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn