From A to Franchisee: The Podcast for Smarter Franchise Buying

Franchise Business Review
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 6d ago

    50 Franchises That Survive Any Economy

    Send us Fan Mail Which Franchises Can Weather a Downturn? FBR's 2026 Recession-Resistant List With economic uncertainty on everyone's mind, Michelle Rowan sits down with Allison Dudas to unpack Franchise Business Review's 2026 list of the Top 50 Recession-Resistant Franchises. Built from survey data on nearly 29,000 franchisees across 330 brands, the list highlights companies positioned to hold steady — or even grow — when consumers start tightening their budgets. Michelle and Allison break down the criteria behind the rankings, share standout examples from senior care to mobile food concepts, and count down this year's top 10. How FBR defines "recession-resistant" (and why it's different from "recession-proof")The five criteria used to build the list, from essential services to investment-to-revenue ratiosStandout categories: senior care, child education, and B2B outsourcingFranchisee satisfaction data comparing this list to FBR's overall benchmarkThe countdown: this year's Top 10 recession-resistant franchisesResources List: Top Recession-Resistant Franchises of 2026Listen: Founder of Kona IceWatch: From Teacher to FASTSIGNS FranchiseeListen: Conversation with a Mathnasium FranchiseeListen: How To Spot a Recession-Resistant FranchiseRead: What's the Best Recession-Resistant Franchise to Invest InRead: Starting a Business In A Recession? 5 Things You Need To Know  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

  2. Sep 7

    Owning a YogaSix Franchise: A Married Couple's Journey to 7 Studios

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guests; Toni King and Audrey Ryder, Multi-Unit Franchisees from YogaSix Two elite athletes. One shared love of yoga. Seven studios and counting. On this episode of From A to Franchisee, host Michelle Rowan talks with Audrey Ryder and Toni King about trading a rowing career and a black belt in Taekwondo for life as YogaSix franchise owners. They walk through how they picked YogaSix over other franchise options, the due diligence process that nearly sent them down a different path (including a tip involving Undercover Boss), and how they've split roles, scaled to multiple states, and leaned on a tight-knit owner network to grow. Plus: what's actually trending in boutique fitness right now, and their honest advice for couples thinking about going into business together. Topics covered: From Olympic-level athletics to franchise ownershipVetting a franchise: the due diligence questions that matter mostSplitting the workload as co-ownersScaling from one studio to seven across three statesWhat franchisor support should look like for multi-unit ownersBoutique fitness trends: community, flexibility, and consistencyReal talk on running a business with your spouseConnect 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

  3. Aug 31

    Is the American Franchise Act Good For Franchisees?

    Send us Fan Mail Michelle is joined by multi-unit Taco John's franchisee Tamra Kennedy to discuss whether the American Franchise Act is good for franchisees. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube Summary This episode explores the American Franchise Act and why it matters for franchisees, franchisors, and anyone considering franchise ownership. Tam Kennedy shares her decades of experience in franchising, offering clear insight into the joint employer debate, the importance of franchisee support, and why transparency, trust, and strong brand standards are essential for long-term success. Resources Read: The International Franchise Association offers its support to the American Franchise ActCongress: HR 5267 Info And Status  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

  4. Aug 24

    Kona Ice Founder Tony Lamb: Building a Franchise Empire

    Send us Fan Mail From a scrappy startup to the top of Franchise Business Review's satisfaction rankings for over a decade, Kona Ice founder Tony Lamb has cracked the code on franchising. He joins Franchise Business Review's founder Eric Stites to break down the real numbers behind mobile franchising and why he still obsesses over franchisee happiness. You won't want to miss this founder-to-founder conversation. Resources The Top 200 Franchises of 2026Kona Ice's Franchisee Satisfaction ReportTravelin' Tom's Franchisee  Satisfaction ReportOwn A Kona IceOwn A Travelin' Tom's Coffee TruckWho Is Franchise Business Review  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

  5. Aug 17

    The Most Innovative Franchise Brands of 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Allison Dudas, Senior Marketing Manager of Franchise Business Review What makes a franchise truly innovative, and how can you tell before you invest? Michelle and Allison Dudas break down FBR's 50 Most Innovative Franchises of 2026 and reveal the signals that separate forward-thinking brands from the rest. They unpack the data behind the list, including why 96% of franchisees would recommend their brand, why innovation and creativity scores run 41% higher than benchmark, and why trust in franchisor leadership is 27% higher among these standout systems. If you are researching franchise opportunities, especially one with strong technology, support, and room to grow, this episode gives you a sharper way to evaluate what is actually happening behind the brand.You'll discover what innovation really looks like in franchising - from product and service development to operational efficiency, marketing, employee training, flexibility, customer experience, and feedback loops that drive improvement. Michelle and Allison use real examples from several brands to show how innovation shows up in the real world. They also share the questions every prospective franchisee should ask the corporate team and current owners before signing anything: How do they roll out new tech? How do they respond when something fails? How do they use franchisee feedback to improve? Those answers can tell you whether a brand is built to adapt or just built to repeat. Essential listening if you want to buy a franchise that fits your personality, your goals, and your appetite for change - or if you want the confidence to spot a system that will keep evolving with the market. Resources Listen: How To Spot A Recession-Resistant FranchiseListen: The American Franchise Act: Is It Good For Franchisees?The Most Innovative Franchises of 2026Read: Can A Proven System Still Be Innovative?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

  6. Jul 27

    REPLAY: What Makes A Good Franchisee?

    Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, Michelle Rowan and Paul Pickett delve into the essential traits that define a successful franchisee. Drawing from decades of experience, Paul shares his expertise on the importance of aligning with a brand’s culture, mission, and values. They discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence, team-building, and a growth mindset in achieving long-term success. Tune in to discover how focusing on customer relationships and community engagement can lead to thriving franchise ownership. Whether you’re considering franchising or looking to enhance your current business, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration. Resources 10 Steps to Franchise OwnershipFrom Values to Victory: How Culture Drives Franchise Strength10 Questions to Ask FranchisorsVeteran Franchise Story: Marine Corps to Wild Birds UnlimitedWild Birds Unlimited Franchise OpportunityTop Franchises in CultureVideo: 5 Key Steps to Owning 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

  7. Jul 13

    REPLAY: How to Spot a Recession-Resistant Franchise

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Mark Jameson, Franchise Development Officer, Propelled Brands Thinking about buying a franchise in today’s market? Before you invest, learn how to identify franchise models designed to withstand economic volatility. Michelle Rowan and franchise executive Mark Jameson break down the traits of recession-resistant franchise systems, the questions candidates should ask during due diligence, and how strong franchisors support owners through uncertainty. *Propelled Brands did NOT sponsor this episode. But their brand, FASTSIGNS, does appear on our Recession-Resistant Franchises list and is worth checking out. Resources List: Top Recession-Resistant Franchises (according to survey data)Read: Starting a Business in a Recession? Five Things You Need To KnowRead: Best Recession-Resistant Business to Invest InWatch: A Thriving Family FASTSIGNS Business (great discussion about how they adjusted during Covid)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

  8. Jun 29

    The $112 Billion Industry Nobody's Talking About

    Send us Fan Mail Most franchise opportunities promise stability — but few are as resilient and rewarding as the commercial cleaning sector. In this episode, Allison Dudas dives into the booming world of cleaning and maintenance, revealing how this essential industry is not only recession-resistant but also a hidden goldmine for entrepreneurs willing to manage people, build relationships, and implement proven systems. Learn why the janitorial sector is projected to hit $112 billion by 2026, and how COVID skyrocketed its stature from essential service to critical partner in business continuity. Guest Paul Masters from Anago shares his eye-opening journey from skeptical newcomer to thriving master franchisee, illustrating how recurring revenue and diverse industries—ranging from chocolate manufacturing to jet engine repairs—make cleaning a uniquely scalable and stable business. You'll uncover: The core differences between master franchisees and traditional franchise owners, and how they generate multiple streams of income with minimal overhead.Key operational strategies that keep franchisees engaged and successful, from proactive quality inspections to exceptional customer communication.The real factors behind income disparities in the sector, and what it takes to scale your franchise to six figures and beyond.Why managing relationships and systems—more than just labor—drives job satisfaction, retention, and growth.Who this model fits best—and who should probably steer clear. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, franchise veterans, or anyone seeking a recession-resistant business with high satisfaction and scalability. If you're ready to uncover a robust, often overlooked industry that offers both stability and significant earning potential, this conversation with Paul Masters will change how you see the cleaning sector—and your future in franchising.  Resources Download the Free Cleaning & Maintenance Sector ReportExplore other franchise industry reportsList: Top Recession-Resistant Franchise BrandsRead: Sub-franchising, Master Franchisees, and Multi-Unit Area Developers: What You Need to KnowConnect 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

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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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