Are you a franchise owner with an inspiring success story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@opsanalitica.com to be a guest on our podcast!

In this episode of Empire Builders, host Tommy Yionoulis welcomes Aaron Bakken, an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in franchising. From navigating the challenges of underperforming franchise support to creating scalable systems for success, Aaron shares valuable lessons for aspiring and current franchise owners. He discusses his journey with Spray Foam Genie, a venture that underscored the importance of thorough due diligence, and Eagle One, a customer experience franchise that delivers innovative solutions while supporting military families.

Key Highlights:

• Navigating Franchise Success and Setbacks:
• Aaron reflects on the highs and lows of franchise ownership, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation of franchise disclosure documents, independent research, and validation from franchisees before committing.
• Eagle One’s Mission-Driven Success:
• As a board member and franchisee, Aaron explains how Eagle One’s services, including AI-enhanced direct mail and domestic call centers, create value for businesses while employing military spouses as remote workers.
• Financial Preparedness for Aspiring Franchise Owners:
• Aaron stresses the importance of securing sufficient capitalization to weather unforeseen challenges and avoid the pitfalls of underfunding in the critical early stages of franchise ownership.
• Advice for Prospective Franchisees:
• He highlights the need to approach Discovery Days with caution, seek unfiltered feedback from current franchisees, and evaluate the credibility and supportiveness of franchisors.
• EV Charging Stations and Passive Income:
• The conversation explores Aaron’s insights into low-maintenance business models like EV charging stations, drawing parallels with vending machines as scalable, systematic investments.
• Building Resilient Businesses:
• Aaron shares personal strategies for ensuring continuity during crises, from leveraging automation to cross-training employees, and the importance of creating a business that works without constant owner involvement.

Join Tommy and Aaron for an honest and inspiring discussion about building sustainable businesses, navigating the franchise landscape, and achieving true entrepreneurial freedom. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to succeed in franchising or passive income ventures.

Links And Resources:

• Aaron Bakken - Franchise Consultant
• Aaron Bakken on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

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Are you a franchise owner with an inspiring success story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@opsanalitica.com to be a guest on our podcast!

In this episode of Empire Builders, host Tommy Yionoulis sits down with Cindy Rayfield, an entrepreneur with a portfolio that spans multiple industries, including children’s hair salons and a thriving vending machine business. With two franchises under the Cookie Cutters brand and a vending machine route in Denver, Cindy shares invaluable insights into managing and scaling diverse business ventures.

Key Highlights:

The Reality of Vending Machines as Passive Income:

Cindy breaks down the common myth that vending machines are an easy source of passive income. She explains the challenges involved, from maintaining stock and tracking trends in consumer demand to strategically placing machines in high-traffic areas like factories. Her innovative approach, using real-time monitoring technology, showcases the hands-on commitment needed to maximize profits.

Building a Niche in Children’s Hair Salons:

With a passion for creating a kid-friendly environment, Cindy’s hair salons cater to young clients, creating a steady customer base through repeat visits. She shares her experience of turning around a struggling salon location and the financial strategies she used to succeed. From managing rent and payroll to marketing investments, Cindy dives into the financial discipline required in the franchise world.

Scaling and Budgeting for Expansion:

As Cindy and her husband opened a second salon, she applied lessons learned from her first location. She emphasizes the importance of budget management, especially for small business owners, and shares tips for cost-effective marketing to drive local engagement and build a strong community presence.

Franchise Consulting and Advising:

Drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey, Cindy helps others find the right franchise fit through her consulting business. She advises prospective franchisees on evaluating Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and the need for resilience in the face of challenging situations. Her role as a consultant mirrors that of a real estate agent, offering impartial guidance without charging clients directly, as franchisors compensate her for successful placements.

Navigating Post-COVID Business Challenges:

From labor shortages to changing workforce expectations, Cindy discusses the lingering effects of the pandemic, particularly in hands-on industries like her salons. She explores the hiring challenges she faces and the adaptations businesses are making to attract dedicated employees in a shifting labor market.

Cautionary Tales in Franchising:

Both Cindy and Tommy highlight potential pitfalls in the franchise industry, from aggressive sales tactics to unrealistic marketing promises. Cindy’s personal story of encountering a franchisor who misrepresented a lease agreement serves as a warning for aspiring franchisees to perform diligent research and approach franchise ownership with eyes wide open.

Join Tommy and Cindy for a deep dive into the realities of franchise ownership, the grit needed to thrive, and how to make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals in business. This conversation offers essential takeaways for anyone considering a move into the world of franchising.

Links And Resources:

• Haircutsarefun
• Cindy Rayfield on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on

Welcome to another episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. This week, Tommy is joined by franchise consultant and franchisee Wes Barefoot, who shares his journey from franchise sales to ownership, including valuable lessons learned along the way. Starting with his Shelf Genie franchise, Wes dives into the differences between service-based franchises and brick-and-mortar models, offering insights for anyone considering the franchise path.

Key Highlights:

1. The Journey into Franchising:
2. Wes shares how he and his wife ventured into franchise ownership with Shelf Genie, a service-based, home improvement business, thanks to his background in franchise sales and development. Their story illustrates the unique opportunities and challenges within service franchises, which often require less overhead than brick-and-mortar businesses.
3. Service-Based vs. Brick-and-Mortar Models:
4. Tommy and Wes discuss the distinct dynamics between these two franchise types. Wes explains that while service franchises like Shelf Genie keep costs low with no need for a physical location, brick-and-mortar franchises demand substantial initial investments and dedicated facilities, often leading to higher overhead.
5. Cash Flow Challenges in Construction-Franchises:
6. Wes recounts his experience owning an insulation franchise, which differed greatly in cash flow due to delayed payments in the construction sector. He emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness, especially in sectors reliant on extended payment terms from contractors.
7. Financial Planning and Preparedness:
8. Wes and Tommy stress the need for meticulous financial planning before embarking on any franchise. Wes advises aspiring franchisees to assess their financial stability and expenses, whether entering a service or brick-and-mortar franchise, to ensure long-term sustainability.
9. Understanding Franchise Value:
10. In franchising, maintaining a strong brand and operational structure is vital. Wes and Tommy discuss the ongoing value exchange in franchising—how brand recognition, quality assurance, and efficient systems play pivotal roles, especially for smaller brands that may not benefit from the same instant recognition as larger names.
11. Setting Realistic Expectations:
12. Using the “bicycle” analogy, Wes explains that while the franchisor provides the “bike,” the franchisee must “pedal” toward success. It’s a partnership where both parties contribute to the franchise’s growth, but ultimately, success hinges on the franchisee’s effort and dedication.
13. Franchise Ownership’s Realities and Pitfalls:
14. From acquisitions by private equity firms to changes in franchisor leadership, Wes advises potential franchisees to think beyond admiration for a brand’s founder. Ownership changes are common, and franchisees need to evaluate the long-term stability and support the franchisor offers.
15. An Entertaining Anecdote in Consulting:
16. Wes shares an unforgettable story about a challenging client with an extensive criminal background, including undisclosed felonies. This amusing yet cautionary tale highlights the importance of vetting clients thoroughly in the franchise industry.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the franchise world, learn about the differences between service and brick-and-mortar franchises, and understand the financial and operational factors that can make or break franchise ownership!

Links And Resources:

• Path To Freedom
• Koala Insulation

Welcome to another insightful episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. Today, Tommy is joined by Taylor Byington, founder of Coverpanda, a company transforming franchisees' operations. Taylor shares how his experience as a Crumbl Cookies franchisee inspired him to create a comprehensive platform for franchisees, offering services like bookkeeping, payroll, and insurance, all integrated into one powerful tool. Together, they dive deep into the importance of operational efficiency and financial insights in the franchise world.

Key Highlights:

Coverpanda’s All-in-One Solution:

Taylor introduced Coverpanda, a platform designed to streamline franchise operations by providing essential services like bookkeeping, payroll, and insurance. The software integrates directly with franchisors’ dashboards, helping franchisees easily manage their businesses.

Data-Driven Franchising:

Tommy and Taylor discuss how data and operational insights can make or break a franchise. Taylor highlights the necessity of monitoring key performance metrics like employee efficiency, payroll management, and financial performance across different locations and time zones.

The Importance of Aligning Incentives:

Drawing from Tommy's experience with Quiznos, they explore how misaligned incentives between franchisors and franchisees can lead to financial difficulties. They emphasize that a franchise’s success depends on both parties having a shared stake in performance and success.

Overcoming Challenges in Franchising:

Taylor shares his experience with Crumbl Cookies, where rapid expansion during the pandemic exposed operational challenges. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on management and staying involved in every aspect of the business to succeed in franchising.

Lessons in Franchise Ownership:

Taylor reflects on mentorship and the critical role it plays in business growth. He also talks about the personal growth that comes from overcoming challenges, like working with family and recovering from a major setback involving a general contractor.

Growth and Scaling:

Coverpanda isn’t just about helping franchisees manage day-to-day operations; it also supports growth. Taylor explains how the platform enables franchisees to focus on expanding their business by providing the tools and data they need to scale efficiently.

Join Tommy and Taylor as they discuss how Coverpanda is helping franchisees thrive in today’s competitive landscape, and why data-driven decision-making is key to franchise success.

Links And Resources:

• CoverPanda
• Crumbl
• Taylor Byington on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.

Welcome to this episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. Today, we sit down with Jennifer Keahl, a franchise owner of three Stretch Lab locations in Michigan, as she shares her journey of starting and expanding her business while staying rooted in her community. Jennifer talks about her plans to grow in the Lansing area and what sets Stretch Lab apart in the boutique fitness world.

Key Highlights:

The Stretch Lab Concept:

Jennifer introduces Stretch Lab's unique service model, which focuses on one-on-one assisted stretching sessions led by certified flexologists. She explains how the personalized experience helps clients improve flexibility and overall well-being, differentiating it from yoga or physical therapy.

The Appeal of a Boutique Franchise:

Jennifer shares why she chose Stretch Lab, citing her passion for fitness and her background as a gymnast and yoga enthusiast. She discusses the close-knit, boutique atmosphere of her studios and how collaborating with other franchise owners creates a supportive network while allowing her to stay focused on her local community.

Membership and Consistency:

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of consistency for long-term results, noting that most clients opt for membership packages. Tommy relates his own struggles with flexibility, and Jennifer discusses how Stretch Lab’s approach helps clients build better stretching habits, both in-studio and at home.

Overcoming Business Challenges:

Jennifer reflects on the early hurdles of opening her first studio, including unexpected delays and costs. She highlights how a supportive regional manager helped her set realistic goals, eventually leading to success. Tommy and Jennifer also discuss the importance of budgeting time and money for business growth.

Running a Lean Operation:

With a focus on controlling costs, Jennifer explains how her experience in quality and operations helps her make smart decisions for her business. She talks about keeping fixed costs low and running an efficient operation to ensure long-term success. Jennifer also touches on the personal and professional rewards of staying connected with her team and clients.

Join us as we explore Jennifer Keahl’s inspiring journey of building her Stretch Lab franchise, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the importance of flexibility—both in business and in life. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Links And Resources:

• StretchLab - Brighton, Michigan
• Jennifer Keahl on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.

Welcome to this episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. Today, we sit down with Lawrence Knuckles, CEO of Manic Vanity Clothing, who shares his incredible journey of building his clothing brand from the ground up since 2011. Lawrence reflects on the early challenges of inconsistent efforts and the transformative moment when he leveraged social media to boost his brand's visibility and sales.

Key Highlights:

Lawrence’s Journey:

Lawrence discusses the early years of Manic Vanity Clothing, the pivotal decision to invest strategically during a critical moment, and how participating in local events helped propel his business forward.

Challenges of Bootstrapping:

He highlights the creativity that emerges from financial constraints and the differences between small business owners and larger companies regarding resource management and discipline.

The Impact of Upbringing:

Lawrence opens up about his tough upbringing, detailing how it shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and instilled a strong work ethic. He emphasizes that entrepreneurship is about purpose and problem-solving, not just profit.

Navigating Business Relationships:

The conversation shifts to the complexities of partnerships, the pitfalls of hiring friends and family, and the importance of clearly defining roles to maintain healthy working relationships.

Adapting to Market Changes:

Lawrence shares insights on the current retail landscape, discussing the need for personal branding and the challenges of balancing brick-and-mortar and e-commerce strategies.

Embracing Technology:

Lawrence also delves into how he's incorporating AI into his business operations, enhancing efficiency, and overcoming personal challenges. He advocates for leveraging technology to improve quality of life and drive business success.

Join us as we explore Lawrence Knuckles' inspiring entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned from his experiences, and the importance of resilience and creativity in overcoming challenges. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders on Empire Builders. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Links And Resources:

• Manic Vanity Clothing
• JAN-PRO Franchise Development
• Lawrence Knuckles on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.

Welcome to this episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. Today, we’re joined by Ricky Morgin, franchise owner of Pearce Bespoke, a mobile custom suit and tailoring company based in San Francisco. Ricky shares his entrepreneurial journey, from working at a law firm to launching a unique, client-focused business that delivers fully customized suits straight to your door.

Key Highlights:

Ricky’s Business and Background:

Ricky is the owner of Pearce Bespoke's first California franchise, offering a 100% mobile service where he takes client measurements on-site and helps them design personalized suits. From custom linings featuring university logos to tailored tuxedos and three-piece suits, Ricky explains how his business prioritizes convenience and individuality.

How Pearce Bespoke Works:

Ricky walks us through the process—he visits clients at their homes or offices, takes 16-25 precise measurements, and offers a wide variety of fabrics, buttons, and linings for ultimate customization. No off-the-rack suits here—everything is custom-made to fit.

The Entrepreneurial Journey:

Before launching Pearce Bespoke, Ricky worked in the legal field but wanted more control over his time and found a passion for custom clothing. His love for suits and admiration for his father’s business style inspired him to make the career shift.

Challenges of Starting a New Business:

As a franchisee of a new brand, Ricky talks about the initial hurdles, especially in building brand awareness. He emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth, social media, and networking events in growing his business.

The Role of Suits in San Francisco:

While San Francisco is known for being casual, there’s still a demand for quality suits for weddings, galas, and business events. Ricky shares how his business capitalizes on these occasions and why everyone needs at least one good suit.

A Memorable Challenge:

Ricky recounts a challenging experience at a major wedding fair when he was sick but powered through the day, gaining valuable leads and making an impact despite the circumstances.

Join us as we explore the world of mobile custom tailoring, the challenges of starting a new franchise, and the rewards of being an entrepreneur. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs on Empire Builders! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Links And Resources:

• Pearce Bespoke
• Ricky Morgin on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.

Welcome to this episode of Empire Builders, hosted by Tommy Yionoulis. Today, we sit down with Dave Hansen, CEO of ClientTether, a leading franchise CRM platform. Dave shares insights about his role at ClientTether and the journey that led him there, including his extensive experience in sales, tech, and franchise development. We discuss how ClientTether's unique technology is tailored to the needs of franchise businesses, streamlining everything from lead response to customer service follow-ups.

Key Highlights:

Dave's Background:

• From selling door-to-door at the age of five to leading sales teams in the tech and EdTech industries, Dave’s journey to ClientTether has been driven by a passion for sales and technology.

ClientTether's Niche:

• Unlike other CRMs, ClientTether is designed specifically for franchisors and franchisees, offering unique features that support both parent companies and individual franchise operations.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Dave discusses the early challenges ClientTether faced, such as resource constraints and finding focus. He also highlights the importance of automating communication and follow-ups for consistent customer engagement.

Franchise Dynamics:

• We explore the unique needs of the franchising industry, including the balance between corporate support and franchisee independence, and how ClientTether meets these needs better than other CRM solutions.

Scaling with Quality:

• Maintaining high-quality service while scaling operations is a significant challenge. Dave shares ClientTether’s strategy of combining technology with hands-on support to ensure customer satisfaction and continued growth.

Join us as we dive into the world of franchise CRM technology, the lessons learned from scaling a tech business, and how automation can revolutionize franchise operations. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders on Empire Builders. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Links And Resources:

• ClientTether
• Dave Hansen on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire Builders? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Spotify or Captivate.fm and leave us a review.