Entrepreneurship Through Franchising

About Entrepreneurship Through Franchising

I’m Ty McBride — founder, franchise builder, and creator of the Built Together Business Model. Over the last 15 years, I’ve built and sold multiple businesses in the building-maintenance and repair space — residential, commercial, and even historic preservation. My focus has always been on durable service businesses that can scale with technology and AI, but can’t be replaced by them. These are the kinds of businesses that give owners the strongest chance of success, stability, and a real exit. Right now, everyone is talking about buying “boring businesses” and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). But most people don’t have the deal flow, the capital stack, or the appetite to run a distressed or declining company. This channel takes a different view. I believe the best strategy for entrepreneurship today is Entrepreneurship Through Franchising (ETF) — acquiring a proven model, in a durable industry, with real support, predictable operations, and a faster path to profitability. Here’s what you’ll find on this channel: Candid franchise owner interviews: why they chose franchising, how they funded the deal, and what their growth looks like today. Deep-dive conversations with franchise brokers, lenders, CPAs, attorneys, and industry experts. Straightforward breakdowns of FDDs, Item 19s, audited financials, startup costs, and unit economics. Practical insight from my experience launching Preservan and scaling multiple service businesses across different markets. Honest guidance for corporate professionals looking to transition into ownership without gambling their future on the wrong deal. If you want a channel that blends ETA-level analysis with the repeatability, support, and long-term value of franchising, subscribe and stick around. We’re building something meaningful here.

Publisher

Ty McBride

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Dec 2025

Latest episode

2 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2026

   What Makes a Successful Franchisee? Scott Greenberg on Choosing the Right Franchise

   Finding the right franchise is important—but the franchisee is often the biggest factor in whether the business succeeds. Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee, joins Ty McBride to explain what separates successful franchise owners from those who struggle. Drawing from his decade as a multi-unit Edible Arrangements franchisee, Scott shares what candidates should evaluate before buying a franchise and why mindset, humility, coachability, and execution matter more than chasing the “hottest” brand. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What to look for when researching a franchise • The warning signs that franchising may not be right for you • Why a franchise is not a passive investment • How to evaluate franchisor culture and unit-level profitability • Why you don’t need to love the product—but must connect with the mission or customer experience • How good franchisees can outperform in an average location • Why you must stop searching only for the opportunity and start becoming the opportunity Guest: Scott Greenberg Author, The Wealthy Franchisee https://scottgreenberg.com (https://scottgreenberg.com) Host: Ty McBride Entrepreneurship Through Franchising https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbrideokc/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbrideokc/) https://brightpathnow.com (https://brightpathnow.com)

2. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Private Equity and Franchising: What Every Franchise Buyer Should Know

   Discover how private equity is reshaping the franchise industry and what every prospective franchise owner should know before investing. Learn what happens when a franchisor is acquired, how franchisees can build businesses that are attractive to buyers, and the questions you should ask to protect your long-term investment. Guest: Alicia Miller Author, Big Money in Franchising Host: Ty McBride Host, Entrepreneurship Through Franchising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride) In this episode, Ty sits down with Alicia Miller to discuss the growing role of private equity in franchising. They explore what happens when a franchise brand is acquired, how those changes can affect franchise owners, and why understanding a franchisor's long-term strategy is an important part of evaluating any franchise opportunity. They also discuss what makes a franchise business valuable, how owners can prepare for a successful exit, and the practical steps entrepreneurs can take from day one to build a business that creates lasting wealth—not just income. Whether you're considering buying a franchise or already own one, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the biggest forces shaping the future of franchising.

3. 

   13 Apr 2026

   3 Ways to Fund Your Escape

   In the world of entrepreneurship, funding is often a critical hurdle that aspiring business owners must overcome. In this insightful podcast episode, Ty interviews Brandon Lusk from Benetrends, a leading provider of funding solutions for entrepreneurs. Brandon shares his journey, the challenges and opportunities in franchise funding, and valuable lessons learned from his experiences. Understanding the Entrepreneurial Pathway Brandon Lusk's journey into the entrepreneurship landscape began with a captivating experience at Chick-fil-A, where he witnessed firsthand the dedication required to run a business. Working alongside a franchise owner who innovatively sold chicken sandwiches at Tiger Stadium, he learned about the hustle and grit necessary for success in the competitive food industry. His hands-on experience, coupled with the realization that entrepreneurship is about more than just financial gain, set him on a path to support fellow entrepreneurs in their journeys. The Role of Funding in Entrepreneurship Brandon emphasizes the importance of funding in the realm of small businesses and franchising. He describes the funding world as the "silent cog" that keeps the entrepreneurial engine running. According to him, no business has ever closed due to having too much money; rather, it’s the lack of funds that often leads to failure. For aspiring entrepreneurs, securing adequate funding is crucial, whether they are starting a new venture or expanding existing operations. Challenges in Business Acquisitions In the podcast, Ty and Brandon discuss the complexities involved in acquiring existing businesses. Many entrepreneurs are drawn to the idea of purchasing established businesses, often referred to as "mom and pop" shops. However, Brandon cautions that the profitability of these businesses can be a significant concern. Banks are often hesitant to lend to businesses with questionable financial health, making funding acquisition deals more challenging. Franchising as a Viable Startup Option Brandon sheds light on the advantages of franchising as a startup option. Unlike individual business acquisitions, franchising provides a framework of proven concepts and support systems. Banks are generally more willing to finance franchise startups because they come with established brand recognition and operational guidelines. This increases the likelihood of success and provides a safety net for lenders. Key Takeaways from the Conversation - Entrepreneurial Spirit: The journey into entrepreneurship often begins with a strong role model and real-world experience, as seen in Brandon's early days at Chick-fil-A. - Importance of Funding: Securing adequate funding is essential for both startups and existing businesses looking to grow. Many entrepreneurs fail due to a lack of financial resources. - Navigating Business Acquisitions: While acquiring existing businesses can be appealing, potential buyers must thoroughly assess the financial viability to secure funding. - Franchising Advantages: Franchising offers a more accessible pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing established systems that facilitate easier funding and operational success.

4. 

   19 Mar 2026

   Franchise vs Buying a Business: Which Is the Better Path to Entrepreneurship?

   The conversation covers Lisa Welko's journey from dental hygienist to business owner, consultant, and multi-unit franchise owner. It delves into the nuances of starting a business, buying an existing business, and exploring franchise opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding personal goals and lifestyle preferences when considering business ownership. The conversation delves into the role of consultants and brokers in franchising, the process of selecting the right consultant, navigating the franchise selection process, considering the next steps beyond income replacement, and the importance of intentionality in business ownership. It emphasizes the significance of due diligence, trust-building, and long-term planning in the franchising journey. Takeaways Personal goals and lifestyle preferences are crucial considerations when exploring business ownership. Understanding the nuances of different business ownership options, including starting a business, buying an existing business, and exploring franchise opportunities, is essential for making informed decisions. Consultants and brokers play a crucial role in guiding potential franchisees through the process The importance of evaluating a consultant's background and experience in franchising Recognizing red flags and roadblocks during the franchise selection process Franchising offers opportunities for long-term business growth and scalability The importance of being intentional in business ownership and aligning business goals with personal aspirations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:11 Buying an Existing Business 14:31 Franchise Landscape and Options 22:15 The Role of Consultants and Brokers in Franchising 33:51 Franchising Beyond Income Replacement 41:16 Intentionality in Business Ownership

5. 

   2 Mar 2026

   The Brutal Reality of Restaurant Franchise Ownership

   Restaurants look like the obvious franchise choice—but they’re often the hardest to get right. Ty McBride interviews Robert Haar, a former restaurant owner and franchise development executive turned franchise broker, about the realities behind restaurant franchising, buying existing businesses, and what aspiring entrepreneurs need to understand before leaving their W-2 job. With experience spanning Red Robin, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and national franchise development, Robert brings an insider’s perspective most buyers never hear. Guest & Host Guest: Robert Haar Franchise Broker, Best Franchise Options Email: robert@bestfranchiseoptions.com (mailto:robert@bestfranchiseoptions.com) Host: Ty McBride Host, Entrepreneurship Through Franchising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride)

6. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Marketing Due Diligence: What to Know Before You Buy a Business

   Marketing is one of the most common—and most costly—mistakes new business buyers make. In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, host Ty McBride is joined by Bruce Dell, CEO of StructureM, to unpack what buyers and franchisees need to understand about marketing before they invest. From acquiring legacy businesses with outdated digital assets to launching franchises with proven systems, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually drives results. Bruce explains why marketing due diligence matters just as much as financial diligence, how to evaluate whether you’re truly starting from scratch, and why strong franchise systems are built on repeatable, measurable marketing strategies—not tactics or hype. Guest Bruce Dell CEO, StructureM Website: https://www.structurem.com (https://www.structurem.com) Host Ty McBride Host, Entrepreneurship Through Franchising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbride) In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why marketing is often the biggest blind spot in business acquisition What a proper marketing audit should include before you buy The difference between foundational marketing and lead-generation tactics How franchise marketing systems accelerate speed to leads and revenue How to spot whether a franchise actually has a proven marketing strategy How to filter out guru noise and avoid vanity metrics What consistently wins long term in small business marketing Follow Entrepreneurship Through Franchising so you never miss an episode, and subscribe on YouTube for full interviews and additional insights.

7. 

   11 Jan 2026

   The Truth About Buying a Boring Business

   Most people looking at franchising don’t realize how much the right guide can change the outcome—or how easy it is to chase a “passive income” fantasy that doesn’t exist. In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, franchise consultant Brett Ethridge (Franchises for Fathers) breaks down what brokers actually do, how to avoid bad franchises, and the real difference between buying an existing business vs starting a franchise from scratch. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST – BRETT ETHRIDGE Website: FranchisesForFathers.com (http://FranchisesForFathers.com) LinkedIn: Brett Ethridge CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE LinkedIn: Ty McBride Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com (http://gopreservan.com) Brett shares why he helps fathers and families pursue business ownership, why “semi-passive” usually means you’re still responsible for everything that matters, and how to think about franchising as local ownership that scales. We also cover the “buy a boring business” trend, the airplane analogy (why buying an existing business can come with hidden problems), and the red flags you need to spot before you sign anything—like closures vs openings in the FDD, too many resales, weak support, and shiny fads that won’t last. If you’re a corporate professional exploring business ownership, this is the episode that helps you stop guessing, start evaluating opportunities the right way, and move forward with clarity. Chapters 00:00 How Brett got into franchising 02:00 Franchises for Fathers and building freedom for families 05:10 Why local ownership wins 07:45 Buying a business vs buying a franchise (the airplane analogy) 11:20 What a franchise broker actually does 19:30 The truth about “semi-passive” ownership 27:10 How brokers match you with the right brands 32:05 Why Brett stays involved after the handoff 41:00 Red flags to watch for if you DIY the process 53:10 The moment most people quit—and how to push through Subscribe for weekly episodes on franchising, business ownership, and how to avoid costly mistakes before you sign anything.

8. 

   22 Dec 2025

   What Veterans Miss When Buying a Business

   Buying a business, franchising, or entrepreneurship through acquisition can cost you years—and hundreds of thousands of dollars—if you don’t have the right guide, ask the right questions, and avoid getting sold instead of advised. GUEST CONTACT – GILBERT SAGUID Website: https://veteransfranchisegroup.com (https://veteransfranchisegroup.com) Email: gilbert@veteransfranchisegroup.com (mailto:gilbert@veteransfranchisegroup.com) LinkedIn: Search “Gilbert Saguid” HOST CONTACT – TY MCBRIDE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbrideokc (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tymcbrideokc) Preservan Franchise Info: https://gopreservan.com (https://gopreservan.com) In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, Ty McBride sits down with Gilbert Saguid—Navy veteran, franchise owner, former corporate professional, and founder of Veterans Franchise Group—to unpack what most people get wrong when buying a business or exploring franchising. Gilbert shares his journey from military service to corporate burnout, entrepreneurship, and ultimately becoming a franchise broker who takes an unbiased, advisory-first approach. Together, Ty and Gilbert dive deep into the real differences between buying an existing business (ETA) and investing in a franchise, why “semi-passive” businesses are often misunderstood, and how analysis paralysis keeps aspiring owners stuck on the sidelines. They also break down red flags to watch for during the discovery process, why culture and values matter just as much as numbers, how to read between the lines of an FDD, and why trying to DIY major business decisions—legal, financial, or strategic—is often the most expensive mistake you can make. This conversation is especially valuable for veterans, corporate professionals, and anyone considering entrepreneurship who wants to avoid being sold, protect their capital, and make a confident, informed decision about business ownership. If you’re exploring franchising, buying a business, or looking for a trusted guide to help you evaluate your options, this is a must-watch episode.

9. 

   14 Dec 2025

   The Hidden Insurance Risk Inside Business Ownership

   Most new business owners treat insurance like a boring afterthought—until it wipes out a year of profit in a single day. I know, because it happened to me. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST - WADE MILWARD https://www.protectmyfranchise.com (https://www.protectmyfranchise.com) CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE LinkedIn:   / tymcbrideokc   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbng5WnhPRnF4ZFRTY1M4MVlhY2M3Wkc0NVpXUXxBQ3Jtc0tsOXZ2RFAxWGFPVWtJeU5fN2NZLURucEhQY1ZrTG9OTmFXaGI1NW9ISWVFb19jd0hFMTU2ckYtYkVlMFlKWGxpdFJrOHJxbEpSLXhtcXk4WXUyY2c0dWZ1dWtUU3lOMVBteVB3MUY4dzFyUjdJZjU0NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftymcbrideokc%2F&v=W-zpgB9c_B8) Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com (http://gopreservan.com) On today’s episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, we’re breaking down what every future business owner needs to understand about risk, coverage, compliance, and hidden exposure BEFORE they invest. I’m joined by Wade Millward, founder and CEO of Rikor Insurance Consultancy, one of the few people in the country who truly understands where business owners get blindsided. Wade has placed over $100M in premium and specializes in helping franchise systems and small business owners avoid costly mistakes—from incorrect liability policies to subcontractor COI disasters. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why insurance is not just a box to check How to read the FDD (Item 7 + Item 8) to understand true startup and operational risk The single biggest insurance mistake first-time owners make What to ask the franchisor during discovery to uncover hidden risk How to validate insurance assumptions with existing owners The subcontractor trap that quietly destroys margins How businesses get hit with surprise audits and massive premiums What insurance you actually need on day one in home services Why some business models aren’t viable in certain states due to insurance alone How Rikor helps owners get clarity long before they sign If you’re evaluating a franchise or thinking about buying a business, this is the insurance masterclass you didn’t know you needed. Understanding this before you invest can protect your capital, your sanity, and the future of your business.

10. 

    14 Dec 2025

    What Franchise Brokers Look For Before You Buy Anything

    Most people exploring entrepreneurship don’t realize how different buying an existing business (ETA) is from investing in a franchise (ETF)—or how easily one wrong decision can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this episode, we break down how to properly evaluate franchise opportunities and why navigating this process alone is one of the biggest risks first-time buyers take. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST – MARIA ROGERS Website: FranMent.com (http://FranMent.com) Email: maria@franment.com (mailto:maria@franment.com) Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/franment (https://calendly.com/franment) CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE LinkedIn: /tymcbrideokc Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com (http://gopreservan.com) I once made a $250,000 mistake buying the wrong business—one that a good franchise broker would have prevented. That experience taught me a hard lesson every future owner needs to understand: the most dangerous risks in business ownership are the ones you don’t see, and you shouldn’t navigate them alone. In this episode of Entrepreneurship Through Franchising, we tackle one of the most critical decisions corporate professionals face when leaving their jobs: Should you buy an existing business or invest in a franchise? And just as important, how do you evaluate a franchise opportunity before you commit your time, money, and future? My guest, Maria Rogers, brings rare perspective to this conversation. She’s been a multi-unit franchise owner, a top-performing operator, and now works as a franchise broker helping professionals make informed ownership decisions. Having lived on both sides, Maria understands what buyers miss, what red flags appear early, and what actually determines long-term success inside a franchise system. In this conversation, we cover: The real differences between buying a business and buying a franchise Why the franchise opportunity pool is massive—and why evaluation matters more than ever What a franchise broker actually does and why the right broker is a guide, not a salesperson How to evaluate a franchise system beyond marketing and earnings claims What to look for in franchisor leadership, culture, and operational maturity Why validation with existing franchisees is the most important step in the process Common red flags in fast-growing or emerging brands Why fit, lifestyle, and support often matter more than projected income If you’re considering entrepreneurship, comparing ETA vs. ETF, or trying to avoid an expensive mistake before buying a business, this episode provides a clear framework for making smarter, safer decisions. Before you invest your money—or your family’s future—make sure you’re asking the right questions and getting the right guidance.

11. 

    14 Dec 2025

    What Smart Buyers Look for Before Investing in a Franchise

    Why Franchise Systems Beat “Dusty Binder” Businesses — The Hidden Power of Modern Ops Manuals Most people comparing buying a business to investing in a franchise overlook the system you’re actually buying. In this episode, Ty McBride and operations manual expert Bryan Garner reveal why strong documentation—not luck, hustle, or intuition—is the real engine behind predictable success. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST - BRYAN GARNER manualmakers.com (http://manualmakers.com) CONNECT WITH THE HOST – TY MCBRIDE LinkedIn:   / tymcbrideokc   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldobXlOSTdfVTJ5N2g5ZkhrTEk5dHExTndEd3xBQ3Jtc0trRzJYSy1LdTlqOUJNVFhGNldtR01NVGFyWGpLUURCSnhVWUNfLVlTN3VDU19LNVNhOE5OaFlxUFZXclVqVWV2OEdjVE1UVHlkUk9SME93UUpwUWstR185NExFNEk2NE56Q3doVnAyR1g5cE9sNlhoRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftymcbrideokc%2F&v=sfNURR5vE9o) Preservan Franchise Info: gopreservan.com (http://gopreservan.com) What You Will Learn in This Episode When you acquire an independent business, you often inherit a maze of undocumented processes, tribal knowledge, and outdated SOPs. But when you join a modern franchise, you should receive a living, searchable, constantly updated operations manual that has been stress-tested across markets and operators. In this episode, Ty and Bryan dive into why that distinction matters—and how it completely changes the experience of becoming a business owner. Bryan breaks down what he has learned from creating hundreds of franchise operations manuals, how real SOPs are structured, and why web-based manuals outperform old 600-page binders. You’ll learn how to read signals inside the FDD, what to ask during validation calls, and how to identify whether a franchisor is operationally mature or simply selling territory. Ty shares the hard lessons from his own acquisition—buying a business with a three-ring binder and a floppy disk—and contrasts it with the power of a fully thought-out franchise playbook. Together, they uncover the red flags that should slow a candidate down, the cultural cues that matter inside documentation, and why strong systems are the foundation of both quality of life and long-term net worth. If you’re comparing buying a business vs. investing in a franchise, this episode gives you a clear, candid roadmap for evaluating the systems behind the opportunity—and understanding what you’re truly buying before you sign.

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