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. 27M AGO

    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 Summary 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

    30 min

  2. APR 6

    Start Lean, Scale Big: The Best Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2026

    Send us Fan Mail What if you could own a thriving business for under $100,000? In this episode, Allison and Michelle reveal Franchise Business Review's 2026 Top 50 Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities, breaking down the advantages of leaner business models and what the data really shows about franchisee satisfaction, scalability, and work-life balance. With 93% of franchisees on this list saying they'd recommend their franchise to others, these brands are anything but small potatoes. Whether you're looking for a career change, a side hustle that can grow, or a flexible path to entrepreneurship, this episode is your starting point. Visit franchisebusinessreview.com to explore the full list and read real franchisee feedback. Resources New List: Top Low-Cost Franchises of 2026Read: The Franchise Side Hustle: How To Turn Your Passion into Franchise OwnershipRead: Evaluating the Best Low-Cost Cleaning Franchises of 2026Read: Six Benefits of of Investing in a Low-Cost FranchiseResearching Franchises? Here's How to Use FBR's DataDownload the FREE Food and Beverage Sector ReportConnect 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

  3. MAR 30

    Should You Use a Franchise Broker — or Is It a Conflict of Interest?

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review Guest: Tim Parmeter, Founder and CEO of FranCoach Summary Unlock the secrets to successful franchise ownership with insights from Tim Parmeter, a seasoned franchise broker at FranCoach. This episode reveals how working with a franchise consultant can be your shortcut to finding the right franchise fit. Tim demystifies the role of brokers, explaining how they’re compensated and how they vet both brands and candidates. Learn to spot red flags like pushy sales tactics and misleading earnings claims. Tim shares how to decode franchise disclosures and ask the right questions to avoid common pitfalls such as rushing into the wrong opportunity. He outlines the process from initial conversations to deep-dive vetting and financial profiling, ensuring candidates align with brands that match their passions and financial goals. Ideal for anyone considering franchise ownership, this episode offers practical advice to make confident decisions. Tim’s 12 years of experience and nearly 1,000 placements provide a foundation of real success stories, emphasizing integrity and relationship-building. If you're overwhelmed by options or wary of shiny object syndrome, Tim’s insights could be your game-changer. Start making informed choices today and find your best franchise fit faster. Resources Read: The Most Important Aspects of an FDDListen: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentThe Franchising 101 PodcastRead: The Pros and Cons of Working With A Franchise BrokerRead: Do You Need A Franchise Lawyer?Read: What Do You Need To Start A Franchise? Your Due Diligence Checklist 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

    51 min

  4. MAR 23

    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

  5. MAR 16

    Industry Spotlight: Brick-and-Mortar Food Franchisee

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (38)

Trailer

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

You Might Also Like