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. 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

    35 min

  2. Jun 22

    What Are The Most Profitable Franchises of 2026?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we announce our Most Profitable Franchises of 2026. We name 50 franchise brands in this list whose franchisees report higher earnings than the average. No brand can pay to be on this list! They are on it because of their high franchisee satisfaction scores thanks to FBR's market research.  This episode breaks down the characteristics of the most profitable brands of the year and what you should pay attention to when doing your franchise buying research.  Resources Most Profitable Franchises of 2026Read: How to Find and Compare the Most Profitable Franchise BrandsListen: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing FranchiseListen: Announcing the Top 200 Franchises of 2026Listen: How Much Money Can You Make Owning A Franchise?Listen: Consider an Exit Strategy Before You Invest in a FranchiseRead: Researching 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

    31 min

  3. Jun 15

    What Is It Like to Be A Woman In Franchising?

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Allison Dudas, Senior Manager of B2C Marketing at FBR Guest: Jill Kesler, Franchisee of Fish Window Cleaning This episode delves into the 2026 Women In Franchising Trends Report. It features Allison Dudas as the host and Jill Kesler, a franchisee from Fish Window Cleaning, as the guest. They discuss the increasing role of women in franchising, highlighting that women now own about a third of all franchises. Jill shares her journey from a career in sales and marketing to owning a Fish Window Cleaning franchise, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and strategic planning. The discussion also covers financial aspects, such as using SBA loans and personal financing, and offers advice for women considering franchising. The episode concludes with insights into the benefits of networking and understanding one's strengths in business. *Download the FREE 2026 Women in Franchising Report Resources Read: The Pros and Cons of Working with A Franchise BrokerRead: 5 Ways Franchising Offers Work Life BalanceRead: 9 Small Business Grants for Female EntrepreneursRead: Female Franchise Owners Rank the Top Franchises to Own in 2026List: Top Franchises for WomenSector Report: Women In Franchising 2026Listen: The Rise of Female 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

    42 min

  4. Jun 8

    What's It Like to Own a Retail Franchise

    Send us Fan Mail Jason Sharp’s journey from corporate healthcare to owning a pool supply franchise in Alabama reveals the real secret to success: building a community-focused team and letting your leadership shine behind the scenes. Discover how Jason’s strategic approach and operational systems turned a stagnant business into a thriving enterprise, even amidst COVID chaos.In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identify and seize low-hanging fruit during a business acquisitionThe importance of having a strong, engaged local team that embodies your visionThe critical role of systems—POS, inventory, and franchise support—in scaling operations with easeThe power of owner-operator presence versus behind-the-scenes leadershipCreative strategies to manage seasonality and off-season revenue streams in a niche industryIf you’re contemplating franchising or buying an existing business, understanding the dynamics of community involvement, staff culture, and franchise support can make all the difference. Jason shares personal insights on navigating the seasonal swings of a pool business, hiring the right people, and maintaining customer loyalty—lessons applicable across any retail or service franchise.Why does most franchise success boil down to owner engagement and team culture? Because in retail, your business is only as strong as the relationships you build—both with your team and your customers. With proven systems and a dedicated support network, Jason’s story proves that with the right mindset, you don’t need to be in the water every day to run a profitable, scalable franchise.This episode is perfect for aspiring franchisees, small business owners, or anyone curious about how operational systems and community leadership fuel long-term success. Take this as your blueprint to avoid common pitfalls and unlock the true potential of retail franchise ownership. 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

    38 min

  5. Jun 1

    The Hidden Factor Behind Franchise Success: Culture

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Michelle and Allison dive into the importance of franchise culture. They discuss how a strong culture can significantly impact franchisee satisfaction and business success. The episode highlights the top franchises known for their positive culture, emphasizing that culture is not just about corporate strategy but also about fostering supportive relationships among franchisees. They explore how culture influences franchisee experiences, retention, and overall business performance, providing insights for prospective franchise buyers on what to look for in a franchise system. 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

    42 min

  6. May 25

    REPLAY: How to Fund Your Franchise

    Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, Michelle Rowan and Ali Kraus delve into the diverse world of franchise funding options. From traditional bank loans to innovative rollover strategies, they explore how aspiring franchisees can navigate financial challenges with confidence. Ali shares her expertise from Benetrends, highlighting the importance of understanding your financial landscape and the benefits of working with a funding partner. Whether you’re considering using retirement savings or exploring unsecured loans, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions on your franchising journey. Resources: Funding Calculator from BenetrendsFranchise Funding Resource CenterGuide to Franchise FundingHow Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy A Franchise?Franchise Cost BreakdownTrends in Franchise FinancingFranchise Financing Options that Won’t Break the BankConnect 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

    32 min

  7. May 18

    5 Marketing Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan and Katherine LeBlanc discuss essential marketing questions to consider when evaluating franchise opportunities. Katherine, with over 20 years of marketing experience, shares insights into the complexities of marketing within franchising. They explore the importance of understanding brand funds, the role of marketing in franchise success, and the need for transparency and collaboration between franchisors and franchisees. The conversation highlights the significance of local marketing efforts and the value of investing in community connections to build trust and brand recognition. They also provide practical questions for prospective franchisees to ask, ensuring they align with the brand's philosophy and long-term vision. Resources 5 Most Important Questions to Ask Before Buying a FranchiseKey Questions to Ask Before You Buy a FranchiseFranchise Research ChecklistFranchise Due Diligence ChecklistWhat to Know Before Investing in a Franchise 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

    52 min

  8. May 11

    Red Flags in Your Franchise Agreement: What Every Buyer Needs to Know

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," the hosts delve into the often-overlooked aspects of franchise agreements that can significantly impact buyers. Joined by Megan Center, a seasoned franchise attorney, they explore the critical differences between the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the franchise agreement itself. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding territory rights, renewal terms, and potential red flags in agreements. Megan shares insights on the necessity of having a franchise attorney to navigate these complex documents and offers practical advice for prospective franchisees. The episode emphasizes the need for thorough research and alignment with the franchisor's values to ensure a successful franchise experience. 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

    1h 4m
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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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