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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. MAY 4

    Senior Care Is Booming. What This Industry Looks Like From the Inside

    Send us Fan Mail Most franchisees in senior care are driven by a deep sense of purpose, but Zubin Kapadia’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in this fast-growing, emotionally rewarding industry. When he transitioned from law and international healthcare ventures to owning a Right at Home franchise, he discovered that passion, strategic support, and community presence are the secret ingredients to thriving in in-home senior care — a sector valued at over $156 billion annually in the U.S. In this episode, Zubin shares the real challenges—and profound rewards—of managing caregiver staffing, maintaining quality, and building meaningful community connections. You'll learn why successful franchise owners leverage reputation, support networks, and innovative employee programs like the Caregivers Advancement Fund to strengthen their businesses and the lives they touch. You'll discover: The key reasons industry data shows franchisees earn over $200,000 annually after two years (despite rising labor costs)How to evaluate buy-in options: starting fresh versus acquiring an existing franchise and what each path entailsThe critical role of emotional intelligence and management skill over healthcare expertise for success in senior care franchisingWhy community engagement, digital marketing, and quality care are essential for sustainable growthThe unique advantages of franchise networks that foster peer support, shared learning, and mentorshipThis episode is perfect for aspiring franchise owners seeking purpose and profit, current seniors care leaders looking to scale, or anyone curious about a deeply impactful industry with steady growth and meaningful work. If you’re driven by empathy, leadership, and a desire to make a real difference, this conversation will inspire, inform, and maybe even challenge your ideas about success in franchising. Download the FREE 2026 Senior Care Industry Report. Resources The Free Senior Care Industry ReportListen: Understanding the Franchise Disclosure DocumentListen: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Franchise BusinessListen: What Makes A Good Franchisee?List: Award Winning Senior Care FranchisesListen: We Ask Franchisees if They're Happy, Here's HowLearn more about the Right At Home Franchise Opportunity 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

    43 min

  4. APR 27

    Your Franchisor Got Bought by Private Equity — Now What?

    Send us Fan Mail Host: Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review Guest: Susan Black-Beth, Auspicious Owl In this episode of "From A to Franchisee," hosts Michelle Rowan and Susan Black-Beth explore the impact of private equity on franchising. They discuss how private equity acquisitions can change priorities, timelines, and relationships within franchise systems. Susan, founder of Auspicious Owl Group, shares her extensive experience in the industry, emphasizing the importance of aligning private equity objectives with franchisee satisfaction. The conversation covers the evolution of private equity in franchising, the benefits and challenges it brings, and the importance of communication and understanding between franchisors and franchisees. The episode aims to prepare franchise buyers and owners for the changes and opportunities that private equity can introduce. **Download our free Food & Beverage Industry Report Resources Listen: Understanding the FDDListen: Why You Should Think About An Exit Strategy Before You InvestListen: The Importance of Franchisee SatisfactionAuspicious Owl GroupConnect 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

    45 min

  5. APR 20

    We Ask Franchisees If They're Happy. Here's How.

    Send us Fan Mail Franchise Business Review is a market research firm dedicated to franchisee satisfaction. This means we work hard to figure out how happy franchisees are owning their brands. This episode gets at our process and explores: Why you need franchisee satisfaction data if you're researching franchises to invest in.Why FBR's data is unbiased and how we keep it that way. What our surveying process looks like. Enjoy this engaging conversation with Maria Harmon about how FBR conducts our research. Resources Listen: Announcing the Top Franchises of 2026Listen: The Importance of Talking to Franchisees Before InvestingListen: Who Is FBR? (our first podcast episode)Read: The Five Most Important Questions to Ask Before Buying A FranchiseList: The Top 200 Franchise Brands of 2026 (Based on Franchisee Satisfaction) 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

  6. APR 13

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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