100 episodes

Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Join us every Tuesday to learn tactical and practical tools that will help you buy, grow, and sell franchises like an expert.

Franchise Secrets Podcast Erik Van Horn

    • Business
    • 4.7 • 53 Ratings

Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Join us every Tuesday to learn tactical and practical tools that will help you buy, grow, and sell franchises like an expert.

    The Secret to Achieving Top Franchisee Status in Complex Businesses With Andy Ayers

    The Secret to Achieving Top Franchisee Status in Complex Businesses With Andy Ayers

    If you’re contemplating investing in a franchise, one thing you should consider is whether you have the skills required to become a business owner. Although you don’t need a lot of business experience because most franchisors will provide thorough training, there are a number of skills that are extremely helpful, especially if you’re investing in a complex business. 
     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
     
    Now, if you’re wondering what it takes to be a top franchisee in a system that has complexities, Andy Myers is here to share his insights. He is the President of AMMA Development Group and a multi-unit franchise owner at Restore Hyper Wellness and goGLOW. Early in both brands, Andy and his team discovered that they like to be pioneers in developing systems and success alongside the franchisor. 
     
    Join Erik and Andy as they discuss how to be a successful franchisee, what to look for in brands and the founders, the importance of having trusted advisors, and the lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands. Andy also shares three valuable things every aspiring franchisee should know. 
     
    “People should love it when they're faced with something that they're not sure how to do. They should lean into that because that's one more step toward success.” - Andy Ayers
     
    In This Episode:
    - How Andy got into franchising
    - How do you become a successful franchisee?
    - How scary is it to leave the security of a regular paycheck?
    - Andy's criteria for choosing the brands to invest in
    - How does Front Street Equity Partners help franchisees succeed?
    - Lessons learned from partnering with emerging brands 
    - How to find trusted advisors 
    - Do you have Rembrandts in the attic?
    - The main roles you need in your organization and why
    - What is it about the goGLOW founder that made Andy want to partner with her?
    - Andy's top advice to everyone listening
     
    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 Scaling Up by Verne Harnish - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593
     
    Connect with Andy Ayers:
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayersandrew/
     

    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
     

    • 46 min
    How to Build Successful Franchisor and Franchisee Relationships With Jeff Herr

    How to Build Successful Franchisor and Franchisee Relationships With Jeff Herr

    As you begin your journey into franchising, chances are you will travel along the path many franchisors and franchisees have experienced. For some, it can be a fantastic journey. However, others get frustrated and decide that franchising is not for them. 
     
    Franchisees go through different stages in their relationship with a franchisor. Franchisors should understand and communicate with franchisees at each stage. 
     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
     
    On the other hand, franchisees may feel a sense of independence and desire for freedom, but it is important to recognize the value of the franchise system. The ultimate goal is to reach the 'We Stage,' where franchisees and franchisors work together for mutual success.
     
    Some of you are doing it right, and some of you need to understand what happens in each stage so you can work toward getting to the next stage. 
     
    Today's conversation between Erik and Jeff explores the six stages of franchisee-franchisor relationships, from the initial excitement and optimism to the eventual realization of the importance of working together. 
     
    “Anything in this life is definitely more fun doing it with other people. That is literally a human connection. Yes, there's a sense of achievement when you do something on your own, by yourself, and nobody helps you. But it's never as rewarding as going through life with a partner, a friend, a business associate, or a franchisor and doing it together, where you can hug and high-five. That's what it's all about.” - Jeff Herr
     
    In This Episode:
    - What can you expect during the Glee Stage?
    - What happens during the Fee Stage?
    - How do franchisees feel during the Me Stage?
    - Why is being stuck in the Free Stage not an excellent place to be?
    - Why is it fun to be in the See Stage?
    - What happens when you reach the We Stage?
     
    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 The Franchise E-Factor by Greg Nathan - https://www.franchiserelationships.com/shop/the-franchise-e-factor/
     
    Connect with Jeff Herr:
    🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a
     
    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 

    • 25 min
    The Blueprint for Growing Your Franchise Into Multiple Locations With Jeff Herr

    The Blueprint for Growing Your Franchise Into Multiple Locations With Jeff Herr

    Whether you're new to franchising or running a successful business, you may still need guidance on your next steps. Who do you ask for advice when you're in that situation?
     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr
     
    For the last few episodes, Erik and his business partner, Jeff Herr from Front Street Equity Partners, have been offering valuable advice on how to succeed in franchising. 
     
    In this week's conversation, they discuss the challenges and strategies for franchisors and franchisees in opening and developing territories. They emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation and the need for strategic planning and protecting the brand. 
     
    They also highlight the significance of territory size, market strength, and scale in achieving success. Additionally, they provide actionable advice, such as seeking free help and advice from experienced individuals in the industry and attending conferences to network and learn from others.
     
    If you need a franchising blueprint or solid advice, today's episode is exactly what you need!
     
    “If you're in a franchise system, both the franchisor and the franchisee have to pay homage to the brand. The stronger the brand, the more valuable the brand is for both parties and collectively. It's incredibly important.” - Jeff Herr
     
    In This Episode:
    - How do franchisors get more franchisees open vs. franchisees sold or territories sold? 
    - The importance of territory size: Does a bigger territory equate to higher profitability?
    - How does your funding plan look? Finding the right balance between growth and loss mitigation
    - The impact of territory proximity on profitability: Strategic planning
    - The challenges of exclusive territories
    - Questions franchisees and franchisors must ask themselves to determine the right growth strategy
    - How to get free help and advice for franchising success
     
    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/
     
    Connect with Jeff Herr:
    🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a
     
    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb 
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
    🎥 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA 
    Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

    • 35 min
    Key Factors to Consider if You Are a Franchise Buyer With Bobby Brennan

    Key Factors to Consider if You Are a Franchise Buyer With Bobby Brennan

    Buying a franchise is a complex process, especially for first-time buyers. It's a long-term investment, and it will be one of the most significant investments you will probably make. Hence, the decisions you make during the buying process are crucial.
     
    Which franchise concept are you planning to pursue? How do you choose the right brand? What are the first steps to take? 
     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
     
    Today, Erik talks about some critical things every buyer must know. Joining him in the discussion is another one of his colleagues at Front Street Equity Partners, Bobby Brennan.
     
    If you're considering buying a franchise, this episode is a good starting point in establishing what a franchise buyer should know and why. You will also understand what Front Street Equity Partners are looking for in brands they choose to partner with. Who knows? You could be the next brand.
     
    “I will tell you, 99% of the time, in my experience, the difference between top performers and those in the middle and the bottom—it's never resources. Its resourcefulness. Are they being resourceful with the tools, and are they heavily executing the playbook at a high level?” - Bobby Brennan
     
    In This Episode:
    - Three things you must do before buying a franchise
    - Is it good to be involved in brands that are growing too fast?
    - The difference between top performers and mid and bottom performers
    - What does your first year as a franchisee look like?
    - What makes these three brands unique?
    - Why should a buyer consider the brand's founder?
    - Understanding the role of the integrator and the visionary
    - Does the brand you're looking into have an exit plan?
     
    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/
    🌐 Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters - https://rocketfueluniversity.com/rocket-fuel-book/
     
    Connect with Bobby Brennan:
    🌐 Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-brennan-37b46ab/
     
    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb 
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
    🎥 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA 
    Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

    • 33 min
    Here’s What I Would Do if I Had to Start over as a Franchisee With Jeff Herr

    Here’s What I Would Do if I Had to Start over as a Franchisee With Jeff Herr

    Buying a franchise can be an excellent move for an aspiring entrepreneur who doesn’t want to build a new business from scratch. In a perfect world, franchisees acquire a model that works on every level. However, it is not entirely a walk in the park. There are still a bunch of challenges that may come your way.
     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
     
    Today, Erik and Jeff continue their conversation about the lessons they learned from their many years in the franchise industry and talking to hundreds of brands. In this episode, they discuss what they would do differently if they had to start over as a franchisee. Erik and Jeff reflect on what it was like buying a franchise the first time and the learning that came as they ventured into more brands.
     
    If you want to get expert insights on franchising, Erik and Jeff have them ready for you.
     
    “You just do one thing and do it better than anyone else.” - Jeff Herr
     
    In This Episode:
    - Throwback to when Erik and Jeff bought their first franchise 20 years ago
    - Why do you need an advisor?
    - Key people to hire as you start growing your business
    - What brand would Erik and Jeff have bought, built, and scaled as a franchisee?
    - How do you find a brand that might be primed for private equity?
     
    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/

    Connect with Jeff Herr:
    🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a

    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    👥Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb 
    💼LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
    🎥YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGL_DGqEd54pcu_zgOICdSA 
    Ⓜ️Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

    • 27 min
    Brand New or Tried-and-True? Choosing the Right Franchise Founder With Jeff Herr

    Brand New or Tried-and-True? Choosing the Right Franchise Founder With Jeff Herr

    A lot of people agree that franchising is more effective than starting a business from scratch. However, it's not as simple as just buying a franchise and waiting for the money to come. 
     
    Before investing in a franchise, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved in buying and running it. You must know if the ROI would be worth it. Also, choosing the right franchise founder is a critical component before deciding which brand to invest in. 

     
    Join Over 5,500 Franchisees and Franchisors in our FREE Private Facebook Community HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb?_rdc=1&_rdr 
     
    Today, Erik is joined once again by his Business Partner, Jeff Herr, from Front Street Equity Partners. Together, they share insights from their conversations with different brands on what they look for in franchise founders and why some brands are more expensive than others.
     
    If you're thinking about buying a franchise, this conversation is something you'd want to listen to.
     
    “If you launch the right way, then that's typically how you're gonna perform.” - Jeff Herr
     
    In This Episode:
    - A super interesting conversation with a founder
    - When talking to buyers, how open should franchisors be regarding things they know and don't know about the business? 
    - Where to see examples of a robust Item 19 and why it's important to look at FDDs
    - What separates weaker brands from better brands?
    - Two-fold purpose of technology in a business


    Resources: 
    🌐 Consult with Erik: https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070
    🌐Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617   
    🌐Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 
    🌐Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/
    🌐 Front Street Equity Partners - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    🌐 Tribe of Investors - https://tribeofinvestors.com/
     
    Connect with Jeff Herr:
    🌐Website - https://www.frontstreetep.com/
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-herr-606b74a
     
    Connect with Erik Van Horn:
    🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/   
    📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/  
    👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/  
    👥 Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb 
    💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/ 
    Ⓜ️ Medium - https://medium.com/@erikvanhorn 

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
53 Ratings

53 Ratings

Chick305 ,

THE BEST!

Erik’s podcast is the most helpful podcast for anyone in franchising or wants to get into franchising. Best guests with phenomenal teachings. High, highly recommend!

DerekP18 ,

Great content for Franchisees

This podcast is one that I look forward to each week. As a Mathnasium franchisee, it’s given me motivation to continue growing and reminded me to look for new ways to be even better.

Brandy Mamizuka ,

Best Podcast for Insider Information!

Erik has done an outstanding job with curating an impressive list of guests to interview on his podcast. The Franchise Secrets podcast not only provides insights into topics that are relevant to today’s franchisees, but also to anyone who is thinking about being a business owner. Doesn’t matter where you are on your entrepreneurial path...this podcast will change, shape and influence your journey in a very positive way!

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