Thinking about starting a franchise? Wondering if it’s the right path for you—or how to avoid the biggest mistakes new owners make? You’re in the right place. This is Best Friends in Franchising—where two friends talk myths, money, mindset, and everything in between.
From Candidate to Owner: Travis Berding's First 4 Months of Puddle Pools
On this episode of Best Friends in Franchising, we sit down with Travis Berding — four months into owning his Puddle Pools franchise in Marin County — for the honest, unfiltered version of franchise ownership.
Travis shares:
What his life looked like before he ever considered franchise ownership
The moment doubt crept in right before he signed
What friends and family really said when he told them he was buying a business
An honest scorecard on how the business is actually doing
What a typical week looks like as an owner
The biggest challenge he didn't see coming
The moment he thought "what did I do?" — and how he got through it
What's surprised him in a good way
How the franchisor relationship has held up, five months in
His advice for anyone standing where he was a year ago
This isn't the highlight reel. It's the real version — messy, exciting, and honest.
15 Jul 2026
From Mastercard to Main Street: Elina Greenstein's Leap Into Franchising
She spent nearly a decade negotiating global fintech deals at Mastercard — then walked away from the corner office to run a managed IT franchise out of Bergen County, NJ. No tech background, no industry experience, just a bet on herself.
In this episode, Elina Greenstein gets real about what it actually looks like to trade a corporate paycheck for franchise ownership: the skills that translated (and the ones that didn't), the mistake she made in year one that she wishes someone had warned her about, and why she thinks recession-resilient industries like managed IT deserve a second look from anyone who's watched risk and compliance eat their industry alive from the inside.
If you've ever sat in a meeting wondering if there's more out there for you — this is the episode that answers that question honestly, highs and lows included.
12 May 2026
The Secret Sauce: SPENGA with Nick Clark, Director of Franchise Development
Most franchise opportunities are about as exciting as watching paint dry—except this one. Meet SPENGA, the boutique fitness brand that's blending spin, strength, and yoga into a 60-minute workout revolution—and making it look easy. Nick Clark, the mastermind behind their rapid growth, reveals how tiny studios with just 300 members are turning into revenue monsters.
You'll discover how SPENGA’s trio of pillars creates dedicated communities that stick around—94% retention means members aren’t just fleeting trends—they’re coming back for more, thanks to their low-impact, high-calorie-burning workouts that even Grandma can do (and she’s thinking marathon). We break down: the secret sauce behind their skyrocketing membership numbers, the smart downsizing of studio space, and why a 18-month return on investment is more common than a pizza delivery in Texas.
Get the scoop on everything from revenue-boosting add-ons like retail collaborations with Lululemon and red light therapy to secret tips on closing leads and building a business that feels more like family than a gym. This episode is perfect if you're craving a proven franchise model that’s not just a flash in the pan but a powerhouse with roots—plus, an owner mindset that cares about your success and your community.Ready to own a business that changes lives—including your own? If you're passionate about health, community, and smart business growth, this episode is your new playbook.
Spoiler: the leadership team at SPENGA has been doing this for a decade and has the best track record in the fitness space. Don't just chase trends—be part of the future of boutique fitness. Hit play and find out why SPENGA isn’t just spin, strength, and yoga—it's the evolution you’ve been waiting for.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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