Franchise Secrets Podcast

Erik Van Horn
  • 4.8 (60)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 6D AGO

    How I Use AI to See Opportunities Others Miss (Franchise Edition)

    AI isn't here to replace entrepreneurs—it's here to amplify how we think. In this episode, Erik Van Horn breaks down exactly how he uses AI as a "thinking partner" to analyze FDDs, research industries, and uncover opportunities that 99% of franchise buyers overlook. Learn how to build your own custom GPTs for research, due diligence, and marketing—and why the right inputs always lead to the right output.   Timestamps:   00:00 – The GPT Should Know Everything About You 02:33 – Using AI as a Thinking Partner 04:04 – Treat AI Like a $10,000/hour Advisor 06:21 – How I Built a Website in a Day With AI 07:40 – Building Custom GPTs for Your Brand 10:11 – How I Use AI to Analyze FDDs 12:24 – Spotting Private Equity Opportunities With AI 17:00 – Create Better Prompts, Get Better Results 20:20 – AI as Your Copywriter, Not Your Voice 26:37 – Analyzing Item 7 and Item 19 With AI   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #Franchise #AI #entrepreneurship

    36 min

  2. NOV 4

    My Manager Got Arrested… and My Business Still Ran

    What does "semi-absentee" actually mean — and what does it cost to get there?   Erik Van Horn shares the hard-earned lessons from owning multiple franchise brands, including the moment his manager got arrested right before tax season. Instead of panicking, his systems held — revealing the true power of leverage and layers.   You'll learn: ✅ The difference between managing and truly leading ✅ How to build redundancies that protect your income ✅ The real ROI of buying back your time ✅ How to move from owner-operator → district manager → semi-absentee ✅ Why freedom in franchising isn't free — but it's worth it   Timestamps:   00:00 The Call That Changed Everything  02:00 Why Most Franchise Owners Never Go Semi-Absentee  04:30 What Semi-Absentee Ownership Really Means  07:30 From One Location to Many  10:00 The Multi-Unit Manager Mindset  13:30 The Moment Systems Saved My Business  16:30 The Real Cost of Freedom ($150K Lesson)  20:00 Buying Back Time: The Practical Playbook 24:00 The District Manager Trap  28:00 Freedom Through Structure    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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL    #Franchise #Freedom #Systems

    32 min

  3. OCT 28

    AI Isn't the Silver Bullet—Execution Is

    Everyone wants an AI silver bullet—but franchise success still comes down to execution. In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Brian Holmes (Franchise Ramp, AI Front Desk) break down how real operators are using AI to scale without losing culture, quality, or profit. Learn how AI saves 65,000+ hours, the truth behind "failed" AI pilots, and why most leaders still get it wrong.   👉 Subscribe for more franchise growth, systems, and scaling insights: FranchiseSecrets.com   Timestamps: 00:00 – The myth of the silver bullet in business 01:19 – The first time Eric heard about ChatGPT 04:20 – How Brian's Liberty Tax days shaped his franchise mindset 05:46 – Building Franchise Ramp: from 0 to 1,200 locations 06:17 – Why culture drives every result at Franchise Ramp 10:33 – Why saying "no" creates world-class execution 11:51 – The AI hype vs. the real business impact 17:10 – How to spot fake AI vendors and bad pilots 26:49 – The real problem AI Front Desk solves for franchises 47:53 – The results: 1.1M tasks done and 65,000 hours saved   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #Franchise #AI #Systems

    59 min

  4. OCT 21

    Buying Brand #2? This Is Where Most Franchisees Go Wrong

    Everyone wants time freedom, but few understand what it costs.   Franchisee Alex Read joins Erik Van Horn to share his journey from the early days of 1-800-GOT-JUNK to building with Modern PURAIR. After years of experience and a few expensive mistakes, Alex reveals why you can't just throw money at the problem — and why real success requires being two feet in.   They unpack the difference between delegating and abdicating, the truth about semi-absentee ownership, and why emerging brands demand leaders, not investors.   If you've ever dreamed of owning your time through franchising, this episode is a wake-up call.   Topics Covered:   -Why "semi-absentee" can become "fully absent" -The reality of emerging franchise brands -Building culture vs. hiring for convenience -The value of failure and how it shapes real entrepreneurs -What 1-800-GOT-JUNK taught Alex about leadership and growth   Timestamps:    00:00 – You Can't Shortcut Time Freedom 02:55 – From the UK to Canada: Starting Over from Scratch 04:30 – Discovering 1-800-GOT-JUNK 07:28 – Hire for Spark, Not Just Skill 09:30 – The Power of Vision and Accountability 12:34 – Why I Bought a Second Brand 15:48 – The Brand I Said I'd Never Buy 21:50 – The Truth About Semi-Absentee Ownership 25:54 – You Can't Outsource Grit 29:03 – When the GM Leaves, So Does Your Freedom   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #FranchiseSecrets #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FranchisePodcast #TimeFreedom #Leadership #EmergingBrands #FranchiseOwner #AlexRead #ErikVanHorn #BusinessMindset

    58 min

  5. OCT 14

    Passive Franchise Ownership? The Reality Nobody Tells You

    So many franchise buyers think "semi-absentee ownership" means passive income — but that couldn't be further from the truth.   In this episode, Erik Van Horn (host of Franchise Secrets) breaks down what semi-absentee really looks like once the hype fades and reality hits. From bad hires to broken systems, Erik explains how he learned — the hard way — that you have to earn the right to step back.   You'll learn:   -Why passive franchise ownership is mostly a myth -The difference between semi-absentee and absentee models -How to avoid checking out too early and ending up "back in the weeds" -What systems, people, and culture you must build first -How to design your business for real freedom -If you've ever been sold the dream of mailbox money, this is your wake-up call.   Timestamps:   00:00 – The painful lesson I learned from checking out too early 01:00 – The fantasy of semi-absentee ownership 03:40 – The "London scenario" that exposes your weak spots 06:54 – Ask this emotional question before buying any franchise 07:54 – Why "absentee franchise" is a red flag 09:20 – What true semi-absentee success actually looks like 14:17 – How lazy delegation destroys your business 18:51 – The real currency of freedom: systems 22:32 – Using AI and playbooks to scale smarter 37:44 – Don't chase lifestyle too early — earn it first   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #FranchiseSecrets #FranchiseOwnership #PassiveIncome

    43 min

  6. OCT 7

    The 4 Phases of a Franchisee: Why "Passive" Is a Myth

    Thinking about buying a franchise? Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan break down the real journey: from the "fee stage" burn to stabilization, optimization, and finally scale or exit. We cover why "passive" is a myth, how to avoid starving your marketing, when (and when not) to use profit sharing, and what separates podium revenue from real EBITDA.   Timestamps:    00:00 Don't buy a franchise for short-term income 00:42 Intro: Franchise Secrets w/ Eric & Bobby 01:12 The "passive" myth & real losses 02:51 Transparency from operators & brokers 12:40 Phase 1: Investment/Burn (intentional negative cash flow) 22:54 Phase 2: Stabilization (6–18 months) 33:02 Phase 3: Optimization (18–36 months) 44:08 Phase 4: Scale or Exit (Years 3–7) 49:06 Owner vs employee mindset (long-term wealth) 51:54 Wrap-up + resources & links   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #Franchise #Franchisee #FranchiseSecrets

    52 min

  7. SEP 30

    Say "No" 95% of the Time: The Investor Mindset Entrepreneurs Miss

    Many entrepreneurs fail at investing for one simple reason: they say "yes" too much. In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Justin Donald break down the investor mindset, tax plays that compound, and how world-class networks unlock better terms, sponsors, and returns—plus the Guardian Bikes grand-slam story (featuring Mark Cuban).   Timestamps:   00:00 – Why great investors say "no" 95% of the time 01:57 – Solar credits & how fast legislation changes 03:56 – Masterminds that pay for themselves 04:24 – Compounding: tax, education, deals 07:37 – Money-back guarantees from sponsors?! 11:06 – The real ROI of networks (vendors, sponsors, peers) 12:40 – Deal terms you should ask for: the "put option" 24:53 – How to spot outlier deals that look "the same" 46:56 – Family-office asset allocation (60/40 is dead) 50:44 – Build a non-emotional investment machine   Resources Mentioned   Website: lifestyleinvestor.com  – free resources, masterclasses, masterminds, and courses   Podcast: https://lifestyleinvestor.com/podcast/   Book: The Lifestyle Investor (updated & expanded edition) https://access.lifestyleinvestor.com/lifestyleinvestor-book?utm_source=website&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=redirect   Free strategy call: lifestyleinvestor.com/consultation     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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #Compounding #Masterminds #Dealflow

    57 min

  8. SEP 23

    The Smart Way Franchise Owners Scale Beyond One Brand

    From Googling "Can you sell a franchise after 4 months?" to owning and scaling a multi-brand franchise empire, Anna Dey's story is the ultimate masterclass in perseverance and smart growth.   In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik sits down with Anna to uncover how she: -Survived brutal 2 a.m. shifts and near-burnout -Has owned and scaled brands including Anytime Fitness, Clean Eatz, Smoothie King, goGLOW, and more -Learned to empower leaders, exit markets strategically, and build a thriving charity that's raised $2.6 million for kids   Whether you're an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned operator, Anna's hard-won insights on pivoting, scaling, and staying profitable will inspire and equip you.   Timestamps   00:00 — Anna's early struggles and the 4-month near-quit moment 02:18 — From corporate America to first franchise success with Anytime Fitness 06:43 — The challenge of managing six different franchise concepts at once 11:35 — Why Anytime Fitness had to reinvent its brand (and how owners reacted) 15:12 — Clean Eatz: from exhausting all-nighters to top-performing units 20:37 — Staying calm when early months feel overwhelming (and money is tight) 24:42 — The surprising grand-opening flop that turned into her best Smoothie King 28:42 — Why GoGlo fit Anna's perfect investment formula (low labor, small footprint) 36:34 — Inside the 24-and-24 Foundation: $2.6 million raised for kids' wishes 42:50 — How empowering better-than-you managers unlocks exponential growth   Resources: Join Erik's free franchise community: FranchiseSecrets.com/Facebook Explore the Franchisee Mastermind: ScalableFranchise.com   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/    Best Franchise Starter Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMlgRgsBAo4LWNCMSOthnK0r&si=TD1z25-ie2d23rGm https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMle5_OUXiuLbc_UPBtz1vTE&si=uCOgDya1VnnCarDf https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEEithd54kMk2Kw07KwZGWgF8UTx9N5_T&si=ZldjBOqFanGE-JUL   #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Resilience

    45 min
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4.8
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

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.

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