Item 19 Podcast will be a monthly podcast with nothing but franchise experts who will help you find, finance, own and grow the right franchise for you. We will interview industry experts who have helped 1000s of people just like you go into franchise ownership successfully, safely and intelligently.
Blair Nicol, CFE who is with FranNet and is the host of Item 19 has helped hundreds of people just like you find the franchise that is right for them and their local community. Blair has been in franchising for over 30 years and owns multiple franchises himself.
Why is this Podcast titled "Item 19" you ask - that is the disclosure item where franchisors disclose the financial performance of their franchisees, which is what everyone wants to know. It's that simple...
Trading the Corner Office for Reformers: A Franchise Success Story
Blair Nicol interviews Kristin and Brandon about their rapid journey from corporate careers to multi‑unit franchise owners in the greater Portland area. They discuss how they discovered JetSet Pilates, the discovery day that sealed the deal, the importance of talking with franchisees, and the robust training and real‑estate support that convinced them to invest in multiple studios.
The episode closes with practical advice for aspiring franchisees: keep an open mind, balance passion with data, do thorough due diligence, and don’t dismiss opportunities too quickly.
23 Jun 2026
Don't Discount Your Franchise Options: Why Second Calls Matter
Blair Nicol explains why prospective franchise buyers should avoid dismissing options after a single call. He recommends building a business model, researching 3–5 franchises, and having at least two conversations with each franchisor before eliminating them. Often the best-fit franchise is one you might initially discount, so take your time, ask questions, and let experienced advisors help match you to the right opportunity.
19 May 2026
The Funding Strategy Half of Our Clients Use (And Most People Have Never Heard Of)
In this episode Blair Nicol interviews franchisees Brad Goodlow and Gary Dodge about using ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) to fund a franchise. They cover how the program works, typical funding timelines of around 30 days, top providers like Benetrends, setup costs, and the annual compliance process tied to the C-corp structure.
The guests share real funding experiences, tax and retirement considerations, and practical advice for anyone exploring this route, including why a solid business plan matters just as much as the financing strategy itself.
6 Apr 2026
From Corner Office to Green Trucks: The Making of a Top Franchisee
Blair Nichol interviews Josh Eaton of The Junk Luggers about his journey from a tech career to multi-territory franchise owner in Oregon. They discuss starting during COVID, following the franchise playbook, and focusing on customer service.Josh shares how running lean, investing in targeted marketing, and measuring results helped them break even in month two and earn awards like Rookie of the Year and Franchisee of the Year. He highlights the value of franchisor support and peer networks.Parting advice: make an educated decision, don’t let fear hold you back, invest time and energy upfront, and track metrics to grow a successful franchise business.
20 Mar 2026
Inside a Discovery Day: How a Stretch Studio Sealed the Deal
Host Blair Nicol talks with Joe Aguilar about his recent discovery day with iFlex/Sequel Brands, covering the in-person unit visit, corporate meetings, and the social interactions that shaped his decision to sign franchise agreements.Joe explains his research process, what to expect during discovery day, key questions to ask, and practical advice—be about 80–90% sure before attending—along with the follow-up steps, approval, and next actions toward opening multiple units.
12 Mar 2026
Funding Your Franchise: SBA Loans, ROBS & Real-World Strategies (audio)
Blair Nicol talks with Eric Schechterman of FranFund about financing a franchise: minimum liquidity to consider, comparing conventional and SBA loans, and faster alternatives like HELOCs and portfolio lines of credit.
They dive deep into ROBS (rollovers for business startups), how it works, when to use it, typical funding splits for a $200,000 example, and practical tips for combining funding sources to make a franchise purchase work.
13 Feb 2026
Funding Your Franchise: SBA Loans, ROBS & Real-World Strategies
Blair Nicol talks with Eric Schechterman of FranFund about financing a franchise: minimum liquidity to consider, comparing conventional and SBA loans, and faster alternatives like HELOCs and portfolio lines of credit.
They dive deep into ROBS (rollovers for business startups), how it works, when to use it, typical funding splits for a $200,000 example, and practical tips for combining funding sources to make a franchise purchase work.
23 Jan 2026
Item 19 Revealed: Franchise Legal Advice with Bob Steinberger
Attorney Bob Steinberger and host Blair Nicol break down the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), explain key sections like Item 19, itemized fees, training, trademarks, and termination data, and discuss registration-state rules and sale/renewal considerations.
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