From A to Franchisee: The Podcast for Smarter Franchise Buying

Franchise Business Review
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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. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Announcing the Franchisee Excellence Awards

    Send a text Unlock the secrets of top-performing franchisees in this insightful episode. Discover how these leaders achieve consistent success, even in challenging markets, by treating their franchise like a CEO-run business and following proven systems. Join Allison Dudas from Franchise Business Review as she shares real stories from award-winning franchisees across various industries, revealing the key patterns that set them apart. Learn how successful franchisees hire smarter, foster an ownership mindset, and engage authentically with their communities. This episode highlights the importance of system adherence, resilience, and community involvement as growth strategies. Whether you're exploring franchising or looking to elevate your business, gain actionable insights to avoid pitfalls and accelerate your journey. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned franchisees, this episode equips you with the mindset and tactics to grow confidently and sustainably. Discover what separates good franchisees from the best in the world. Resources The Franchisee Excellence Awards - winners, and their stories, found here.Read: We've got tons of Franchisee Profiles for you to check out.Top 200 Franchises of 2026Read: How To Use Our DataConnect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    30 min

  2. FEB 16

    Inside Look: Franchisee with an Emerging Brand

    Send a text Discover what it’s really like to join a franchise in its early stages through the firsthand insights of Tom Winspear. Learn about the advantages, challenges, and strategies for success when entering an emerging brand, plus tips on assessing and building a strong franchise community. Resources Listen: Announcing the Top 200 Franchises of 2026Listen: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentListen: The Pros and Cons of Franchise OwnershipRead: What to Know Before Investing in a FranchiseConnect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    29 min

  3. FEB 9

    Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Child Enrichment Franchisee

    Send a text 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 entering this sector or interested in franchise ownership, Ashley's insights are invaluable. Resources Listen: Industry Spotlight on Child Enrichment Franchisees: Mobile FranchiseListen: Industry Spotlight on Tutoring FranchiseeListen: Women in Franchising, The Rise of Female FranchiseesTop Franchises for WomenTop Franchises for VeteransRead: Air Force Veteran Turned Franchisee with New Again HousesRead: Veteran Brothers in Franchising with Kitchen Tune-Up*This episode is NOT sponsored, but Tutu School is one of our award-winners. This means they survey their franchisees with us. It's with that data they make our lists! Connect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    44 min

  4. FEB 2

    The Role of Franchise Business Coaches

    Send a text 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 operate smoothly and profitably while aligning with the brand. Maria shares insights into her journey from managing a tanning salon franchise to becoming a district manager and eventually an FBC. The conversation covers the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and the value of early and frequent communication with FBCs to prevent issues. Maria emphasizes the significance of culture and trust in fostering successful franchise operations and offers advice for prospective franchisees on choosing the right franchise and understanding the support they will receive. Resources: Vision Plan for Franchise Operations (Michelle mentions this)Listen: The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise SystemThe Value of a Strong Support System in PuroCleanRead some franchisee profiles to see how training and support, specifically FBCs, lead to success. Listen: Discovery Days Connect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    30 min

  5. JAN 26

    Industry Spotlight: Education Franchises

    Send a text 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, highlighting the blend of business acumen and mission-driven goals that led her to this path. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a tutoring franchise, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, marketing, and the need for a strong work ethic. Carli also offers insights into the operational aspects of her business, including staffing, marketing strategies, and the significance of maintaining a balance between personal involvement and business growth. The conversation provides valuable lessons for potential franchise owners, underscoring the need for passion, commitment, and adaptability in the education franchise industry. *This episode is not sponsored by Mathnasium But we do encourage you to check out their data as they have their franchisee satisfaction report available on our site.  Resources Top Education Franchises based on Franchisee Satisfaction SurveysA Typical Day for a Mathnasium FranchiseeWhy Jobs in Supplemental Education Pay OffListen: The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise SystemListen: Industry Spotlight on Child Enrichment Franchisees  Connect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    34 min

  6. JAN 19

    The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise System

    Send a text 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 Schenck shares his perspective from 360clean, a commercial cleaning franchise. They discuss the initial training brands may offer, and the ongoing support franchisees can receive from corporate. These experts offer tips for what training and support to look for if you're investing in a franchise. The better training and support a franchise system offers its franchisees, the more successful those franchisees will become.  Resources Watch the Webinar: Extensive Training for Franchisees Leads to SuccessProfile of a Franchisee: How Hands-On Training Helped Launch a Top Recruiting FranchiseWhat Is Discovery Day and How to Prepare for ItListen: How Different Brands Do Discovery DayConnect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    37 min

  7. JAN 12

    The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Franchise

    Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Paige Robinson Dosch, VP Franchise Resales, Unleashed Brands The podcast episode features Michelle Rowan and Paige Robinson Dosch discussing the intricacies of buying and selling franchise businesses. Paige, the VP of Franchise Resales at Unleashed Brands, shares her expertise on the benefits and challenges of acquiring existing franchises versus starting new ones. The conversation highlights the importance of having a clear exit strategy from the beginning, understanding the operational and financial aspects of a franchise, and the value of being part of a supportive franchise network. They also discuss the role of franchisors in maintaining brand integrity and the various factors that influence the decision to buy or sell a franchise, such as lifestyle changes and market opportunities. Resources Podcast Episode: Consider an Exit Before Investing in a FranchisePodcast Episode: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentThe Five Most Important Questions to Ask Before You Buy A FranchiseThe Top 200 Franchises of 2026 based on franchisee satisfaction.Watch: Navigating Franchise Financing with Benetrends FinancialConnect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    40 min

  8. JAN 5

    Announcing the Top 200 Franchise Brands of 2026

    Send a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Allison Dudas, B2C Senior Marketing Manager at Franchise Business Review Episode Summary In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review, unveils the much-anticipated "FBR's Top 200 Franchises of 2026." This exclusive list is unique in the franchising world as it is based entirely on the satisfaction of real franchise owners. The episode delves into the methodology behind the rankings, highlighting the importance of franchisee feedback and the rigorous criteria used to evaluate brands. With insights from Allison Dudas, FBR's B2C Marketing Manager, the discussion covers the diverse range of franchises that made the list, from legacy brands to emerging players. It emphasizes the significance of franchisee satisfaction and unit profitability as key indicators of success. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of franchising, with a focus on the growing trend of multi-unit ownership. Allison and Michelle also dispense advice on how to pick the right franchise investment for you.  Resources The Top 200 Franchises of 2026 (according to franchisee satisfaction surveys)Who Is Franchise Business Review? (our first podcast episode)Video: Five Steps to Owning a FranchiseHow Much Money Can You Make Owning a Franchise? (S1E14)Franchise Term GlossaryResearching Franchises? How to Use FBR's DataConnect with Us: Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com Follow us on Instagram, @franchisebusinessreview Subscribe to our newsletter Check us out on YouTube, @FranchiseBusinessReview Connect with us on LinkedIn

    49 min
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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. 

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