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

    The Role of Franchise Business Coaches

    Send us 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

  2. JAN 26

    Industry Spotlight: Education Franchises

    Send us 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

  3. JAN 19

    The Importance of Training and Support in a Franchise System

    Send us 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

  4. JAN 12

    The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Franchise

    Send us 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

  5. JAN 5

    Announcing the Top 200 Franchise Brands of 2026

    Send us 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

  6. 12/29/2025

    REPLAY: The Importance of Talking to Franchisees Before Investing

    Send us a text Host: Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business Review Guest: Madeleine Zook, CMO | Multi-Unit/Multi-Brand Franchisee Summary: In this episode, Michelle Rowan and Madeleine Zook delve into the crucial role of talking to franchisees before investing in a franchise investment. Madeleine emphasizes that speaking with current franchisees provides invaluable insights into the realities of running a franchise, beyond what franchisors can legally disclose. This dialogue helps potential franchisees understand the financial and time commitments involved, as well as the challenges and successes experienced by others. By learning from both high-performing and struggling franchisees, prospective buyers can make more informed decisions, ensuring they align their expectations with the realities of franchise ownership. The episode underscores that thorough due diligence, including these conversations, is essential for making a sound investment. Resources: 10 Questions to Ask a Franchisor if you're considering investing.How to Evaluate ROI before investing in a franchiseUnderstanding the FDD: Podcast Episode 9.What Makes A Good Franchisee?: Podcast Episode 8The Importance of Franchisee Satisfaction: Podcast Episode 7Who is FBR?: Podcast Episode 1What Do You Need to Start a Franchise? Your Due Diligence ChecklistConnect 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

    48 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    REPLAY: Who Is Franchise Business Review

    Send us a text Host: Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review Guest: Eric Stites, Founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review Episode Summary: The Journey of Starting Franchise Business Review Introduction: Twenty years ago, a light bulb moment sparked the creation of Franchise Business Review. Eric Stites, then working with franchise marketing, noticed a gap in the industry: potential franchisees struggled to get honest feedback from existing owners. This realization led to a bold decision that would change the landscape of franchise research. The Inception: Eric's journey began with a simple yet profound idea—survey franchisees to gather authentic insights about their experiences. This concept was born out of a need for transparency and trust in the franchise industry. With Dunkin Donuts as an early supporter, Eric took the leap, leaving his marketing job to establish Franchise Business Review. Building the Foundation: Starting a new venture is never easy, and Eric's journey was no exception. With the support of his wife and a clear vision, he navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. The initial years were marked by dedication and a commitment to providing unbiased, data-driven insights to potential franchisees. Growth and Impact: Over the years, Franchise Business Review has grown into a trusted resource, working with over 1,300 brands and surveying countless franchisees. The company's mission remains steadfast: to help individuals make informed decisions about franchising by offering a comprehensive view of franchisee satisfaction. Conclusion: Eric's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. Franchise Business Review continues to empower potential franchisees with the knowledge they need to succeed. As the franchise industry evolves, the company's commitment to transparency and excellence remains unwavering. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest insights and trends in the franchise world. Resources: Who Is Franchise Business Review?What Does FBR Do?Franchise Term GlossaryMeet FBR's Leadership TeamTop 200 FranchisesHow Much Money Can You Make Owning A Franchise?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

    25 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    Industry Spotlight: Senior Care Franchisee

    Send us a text In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," Michelle Rowan interviews Mitch Wallace, a franchisee with Caring Senior Services, to explore the journey of transforming an existing senior care business into a franchise. Mitch shares his personal story of entering the senior care industry, driven by the need to care for his own family members. Initially starting as an independent business, Mitch and his family recognized the need for more structure and support, leading them to transition into a franchise model. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of operating a senior care franchise, the importance of training and support, and the emotional aspects of caregiving. Mitch emphasizes the significance of grassroots recruiting and community involvement in building a successful business. The episode provides valuable insights for those considering a franchise in the senior care sector, underscoring the growing demand and opportunities in this field. *This episode is not sponsored by Caring Senior Service, but they are one of our clients. We chose to feature them because they survey their franchisees yearly and really care about their responses. You can check out more about them here.  Resources for this Episode Top Senior Care Franchises based on FBR dataWhy Entrepreneurs that Help People Choose Senior Care FranchisesFranchisee Profile: From Immigrants to Senior Care FranchiseesFranchisee Profile: Helping Others Every Day Fulfills this Senior Care Authority Owner's MissionWebinar: A Thriving Business With PurposeConnect 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
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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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