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. 16H AGO

    The Path to Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Success in Franchising

    Send us Fan Mail Most entrepreneurs kill their growth momentum by overcomplicating the journey—Antonio McBroom reveals how a simple mindset shift accelerated his rise from a college student scooper to one of the largest Ben & Jerry's franchisees on the planet. Discover the high-impact strategies that turned a small ice cream shop into a multi-million dollar empire, and learn how to build a culture that attracts top talent and drives exponential growth. In this episode, Antonio shares his remarkable origin story: how a college job sparked a multi-decade pursuit of franchising success, all fueled by a high risk tolerance and relentless focus. You'll discover the power of investing in human capital—why your team is your secret weapon—and how intentional leadership and community engagement can create lasting impact. We break down the pivotal moments when Antonio navigated fierce competition, financing challenges, and franchise relationships, offering concrete lessons for anyone aspiring to scale. You'll learn the proven frameworks Antonio applies to grow fast while maintaining quality—like the importance of focus, risk balancing, and strategic partnerships. He sheds light on integrating your core passions, leading a team through inevitable change, and leveraging franchisee communities for mutual success. Plus, get his insider tips on how to work effectively with franchisors when disagreements arise and why impact matters more than just profits. Whether you're considering your first store or looking to elevate your existing business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights from a true industry leader. Antonio's story proves that with purpose, resilience, and the right network, you can turn a simple idea into a powerful movement—don't miss this episode if you're ready to make your mark. 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

    35 min

  2. MAR 16

    Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Food Franchisee

    Send a text Michelle Rowan talks to Crumbl Cookies and Pizza Factory franchisee, Ernie Amorim, about the intricacies of operating a brick-and-mortar food franchise. Ernie, a seasoned multi-unit franchise owner, shares his journey from purchasing his first Pizza Factory franchise at the age of 23 to expanding his business empire to include multiple restaurants and Crumble Cookies outlets. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of managing food franchises, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, employee retention, and customer service. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring franchisees, emphasizing the need for thorough research, understanding the financial aspects of purchasing and operating a franchise, and the value of patience and strong customer service skills.  We also share insights from our new Food and Beverage Industry Report, where we share our data from surveying over 5,000 food and beverage franchisees this past year. Resources Download our FREE Food and Beverage Industry Report for 2026Read: Should You Buy An Existing Franchise?Listen: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing FranchiseRead: The Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Franchise AccountantListen: Industry Spotlight on 2 Mobile Food FranchiseesTop Food & Beverage Franchises 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

  3. MAR 9

    The Top Franchises for Women of 2026

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," we delve into the 2026 list of top franchises for women, celebrating female franchise owners and the brands that support them. Our host, joined by frequent guest and producer Allison Dudas, explores the unique methodology behind the rankings, emphasizing that no brand can pay to be on the list. Instead, the rankings are based on comprehensive surveys of franchisees, focusing on trust, training, support, and marketing.  The discussion highlights the significant participation of women in the franchise industry, with 8,550 female franchisees contributing to the survey out of 23,000 total respondents.  Resources Key4WomenTop Franchises for WomenTop Franchises for CultureTop Recession-Resistant FranchisesBest Franchises for Moms and DadsHow To Become a Successful MompreneurWork Life Balance in FranchisingWatch: An Insider for Conversation About the Best Franchises for WomenListen: Women In FranchisingListen: Barriers to Diversity in FranchisingListen: How Much Money Can You Make Owning A FranchiseRead: How Many Businesses Reach $1 Million Revenue? The Truth Might Shock YouRead: Growth Trends of Women-Owned Businesses from the National Women's Business CouncilConnect 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

  4. MAR 2

    New SBA Guidelines and the Basics of SBA Loans

    Send us Fan Mail Join Michelle Rowan and Anthony Byrd in this episode of "From A to Franchisee" as they unravel the complexities of SBA loans for franchise buyers. Discover how SBA loans serve as a government-backed security for banks, making it easier for new businesses to secure funding. Anthony Byrd, a seasoned expert in franchising and SBA lending, dispels common myths about these loans and highlights recent changes in guidelines, including citizenship requirements and the SBA directory. Learn practical tips for preparing loan applications and explore financial strategies, such as combining retirement funds with SBA loans. Empower your franchise journey with this insightful discussion! Resources Read: Should I Get An SBA Loan for Franchise Financing?Listen: Franchise Funding OptionsRead: Crowdfunding for Business: Should I Use it to Fund My Franchise?Our Franchise Financing Resource CenterDiscover Your "Fundability" with our Finance CalculatorRead: A Guide to Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS)**We are grateful to work with Benetrends. They offer sound financial advice and have been in the world of franchising for decades, just like us! 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

    27 min

  5. FEB 23

    Announcing the Franchisee Excellence Awards

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. FEB 16

    Inside Look: Franchisee with an Emerging Brand

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  7. FEB 9

    Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Child Enrichment Franchisee

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  8. FEB 2

    The Role of Franchise Business Coaches

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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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