Franchise Secrets Podcast Erik Van Horn

Ever wondered how a lesson in leadership and perseverance can transform a business? Join us as Aaron Stokes, a 25-year veteran of the automotive repair industry and founder of Shop Fix Academy, reveals his journey from a challenging upbringing to building a thriving business empire.
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
Aaron shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including overcoming theft, financial stress, and debt. He discusses how pain can be a powerful catalyst for growth and the importance of mentors in his journey. Discover his insights on leadership, asset protection, investing, and business scaling, along with the vital roles of discipline, accountability, and effective communication.
 
Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring stories every entrepreneur can learn from. Unlock the secrets to achieving business success today!
 
“Perseverance is hanging on by your fingernails on a cliff for years—that's what perseverance is.” - Aaron Stokes 
 
In This Episode:
- Aaron's background 
- Facing financial challenges and learning from mistakes
- Experiencing deep pain and transforming it into lessons
- Discovering a new path and building a consulting company
- The role of mentors and confidence in overcoming obstacles
- The power of perseverance
- Confidence as a critical ingredient to business success
- Aaron's current status and next steps
- Business, finance, and leadership lessons from Aaron
 
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 Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday - https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358
 
Connect with Aaron Stokes:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-stokes-969012109/
🌐 Website - https://shopfixacademy.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/ 
 

Are you a founder struggling to scale your emerging brand? You're not alone. In this episode of the Franchise Secrets Podcast, host Erik Van Horn dives deep with goGLOW founder and CEO Melanie Richards, exploring the raw challenges and triumphs of growing a brand from zero franchisees to experiencing rocketship growth. 

 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
 
Mel highlights the indispensable role of a rockstar second in command and what it truly takes to support your franchisees beyond the spotlight. Discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the franchise machine running smoothly and learn practical strategies to nurture and expand your franchise family.
 
As a lifelong beauty enthusiast, Mel's sensitivity to women from all backgrounds and walks of life equipped her to flourish in the beauty world. When beauty school graduation rolled around, a celebratory trip to Mexico spurred a grand idea in her mind.
 
In preparation for her vacation, Mel searched the area for the best spray tan at the most affordable price. She quickly realized there was a need for this type of service, so why not be the person to fill it? And that was the beginning of her exciting journey as a business owner.
 
If you're ready to turn your vision into a thriving franchise, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to uncover the secrets of successful franchising and take your brand to new heights!
 
“We're making sure that whoever walks on this ground that we are building, that it's solid and that they can count on it because it's a huge responsibility. You should take your responsibility of being a franchisor very seriously, and that's what I do.” - Melanie Richards
 
In This Episode:
- Why is branding so crucial for Mel?
- Why is it important for a founder to have a rockstar second in command?
- What is it like to partner with Front Street Equity Partners and get support in the trenches?
- What mindset must a founder have to drive revenue growth?
- What contributed to goGLOW's rocketship growth?
- What makes Mel nervous as she gears up for the next 12 months?
- Are pop-up events helpful for the salon suite and beauty industry?
- Mel's valuable advice for brands who want to franchise their business
- How many hours did Mel work while building her business?
 
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 Melanie Richards:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-richards-a492207/
🌐 Website - https://www.goglow.co/
 
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/ 

Every entrepreneur has their formula for success. If you ask a dozen entrepreneurs their secret, many will say you must stand out from the competition. But today's guest has an unconventional secret to industry domination, so tune in to find out if you can apply the same secret to your business. 
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr
 
Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, shares his insights on how he transformed his garage door company into a technology-driven business with over $25 million in EBITDA. He discusses why he chose not to franchise his business and the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. 
 
Tommy emphasizes the value of investing in the right people and creating a strong company culture. He also talks about his goal to achieve $108-110 million in EBITDA in three years and the importance of hiring the right team to help him get there. He believes in leveraging technology to automate processes and improve efficiency. 
 
Tommy discusses the shift in mindset from being a garage door company to a technology company and what accelerated this transformation. He also highlights the significance of knowing and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) to make informed business decisions. Tommy shares his philosophy of elevating the industry and helping competitors succeed through the Freedom Event, which focuses on personal and professional growth in the home services industry.
 
Tommy's journey is a masterclass in innovation and leadership, so don't miss out on today's episode of Franchise Secrets. 
 
“If I'm gonna make this business worth a lot of money, I gotta elevate the whole industry. If I'm gonna charge the right prices, then I cannot be this lonesome wolf. I needed to invite people in.” - Tommy Mello
 
In This Episode:
- Tommy's background and how he got to where he is today
- Navigating the different seasons in life
- Why Tommy did not franchise his business
- How continuous learning and personal growth make all the difference
- Hiring the right people to accelerate your growth
- Elevating the industry by helping competitors succeed
- Freedom Event: Fostering personal and professional growth in the home services industry
- Choosing the right vendors and holding them accountable
- The Key to Success: Embrace hard work and avoid procrastination
 
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/
🌐 Tommy Mello's Freedom Event - https://get.homeservicefreedom.com/freedom-event-2024
🌐 Register for Your Next Shop Tour with Tommy Mello - https://get.homeservicefreedom.com/a1-shop-tour
🌐 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell - https://www.buybackyourtime.com/
🌐 Off Balance on Purpose by Dan Thurmon - https://danthurmon.com/books/off-balance-on-purpose/
🌐 Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151
🌐 Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras - https://www.amazon.com/Built-Last-Successful-Visionary-Essentials/dp/0060516402
 
Connect with Tommy Mello:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/
🌐 Website - https://homeserviceexpert.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/ 

Ready to unlock the secrets to franchise domination? Buckle up as David Schuck, the visionary force behind Spartan Fitness Holdings, unveils the playbook for unparalleled success in franchising.
 
Join Erik and David for an exciting conversation that dives deep into the heart of franchising and business expansion.
 
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 power-packed episode, they peel back the layers of franchising intricacies, exploring the art of building relationships with both employees and vendors. Discover how fostering genuine connections sets the stage for monumental growth and prosperity.
 
But that's just the beginning. Delve into the transformation from operator to visionary, as David shares the key to effective delegation and cultivating trust within your team.
 
Are you ready to revolutionize your franchise game? Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from a true industry expert and propel your business to unprecedented heights.
 
“The franchisee-franchisor relationship is inherently tension-filled, but when done right, I think it's a huge win-win.” - David Schuck
 
In This Episode:
- How David grew his business to multiple locations 
- David remembers some pivotal moments in his journey
- Doing things you don't like because that's what the business needs
- Transitioning from operator to visionary
- Hiring and firing vendors 
- How franchisors are helping top-performing franchisees 
- The significance of grand openings
- Balancing cash flow and equity
- David's definition of success
- The importance of franchisee-franchisor relationship 
- David's growth strategy
 
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 David Schuck:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schuck-spartanfitnessholdings/
🌐 Website - https://www.spartanfitnessholdings.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/ 

Ever wondered what you'd do with a billion dollars? The dream's not far-fetched, and Garrett Gunderson is here to explain why. In this riveting conversation, he flips the script on the age-old narrative of working tirelessly and saving every penny to build wealth. Instead, he unveils a paradigm shift centered on expanding wealth and accelerating its growth.
 
Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr
 
Garrett's journey from traditional thinking to revolutionary wealth-building strategies is eye-opening. He urges entrepreneurs and business owners to focus on increasing income, strategically minimizing taxes and expenses, and making wise investments. But that's just the beginning.
 
Diving deep into the financial ocean, Garrett reveals the power of aligning financial decisions with personal values and life aspirations. Forget mundane budget cuts; it's all about maximizing wealth and living life to the fullest.
 
And it's not just about numbers and spreadsheets. Garrett emphasizes the significance of family, experiences, and nurturing relationships. 
 
By the end of this conversation, you'll be rethinking your approach to wealth. It's not merely about amassing riches; it's about leaving a meaningful legacy and making a profound impact on the world. 
 
Get ready to rewrite your financial destiny with Garrett Gunderson's game-changing insights.
 
“I'm just designing life the way that I want to do it. I believe in a smaller number of goods in my basket but a bigger cash flow from that basket. That's really my philosophy.” - Garrett Gunderson
 
In This Episode:
- Shifting from working hard to expanding wealth
- The real game of wealth is in adding value
- Changing perspectives from hustling to true wealth creation
- Entrepreneurs as investors
- Spending meaningful time with people who matter most to you
- Maximizing tax deductions and other strategies of the wealthy
- The power of family meetings
- Experiencing Garrett's cabin retreats
- The value of nurturing relationships 
- The goal of becoming a billionaire: Impact vs. wealth accumulation
 
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 Garrett Gunderson:
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-gunderson-651359b3/
🌐 Website - https://garrettgunderson.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/
 

What does semi-absentee ownership actually mean? Is it possible in a franchise setting, or is it a myth?
 
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 talks to his business partners, Luke Jacobson and Terry Rackley from StretchLab, who share their journey as franchisees and business partners.
 
They discuss the importance of finding the right franchise opportunity and the myths surrounding semi-absentee franchising. They emphasize the need for speed in opening new locations and the challenges of finding and retaining good employees. 
 
Luke and Terry also discuss their partnership with Erik, who serves as their business consultant and advisor. The partners also highlight their organizational skills and the importance of building a strong team. 
 
In essence, the conversation covers topics such as the support system provided by the franchisor, the importance of trial and error, the role of aggressive organization in managing the business, the focus on employee development and retention, the relationship between franchisees and the franchisor, and the significance of business partnerships.
 
“Unless you're already a multi-millionaire, I don't think absentee ownership exists. I don't think you'll have the right attitude if you go into this saying, “Hey, I just wanna throw money at something as an investment.” You're gonna have to put in blood, sweat, and lots and lots of tears.” - Luke Jacobson
 
In This Episode:
- Luke's background and how he got into franchising
- Terry's background and how he met Luke and Erik
- How Luke and Terry became business partners
- The importance of speed in opening new locations
- Erik's role in the partnership
- Why leadership and organizational skills matter in business
- Critical factors in running a successful business
- Is absentee ownership a myth?
- What comes to mind when you hear the term top franchisees?
- What does a healthy franchisee-franchisor relationship look like?
- Why is aggressive organization necessary when managing a business?
- What makes partnerships a good thing?



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/
🌐 Franchise Equity Partners - www.frontstreetep.com
 
Connect with Luke and Terry:
💼 LinkedIn (Luke) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-jacobson-68632b75/ 
💼 LinkedIn (Terry) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryrackley/
🌐 Website - https://www.stretchlab.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/