Podcast
Franchise Unfiltered
Hosted by Path 2 Freedom · EN
How to Take Control of YOUR Life, and Create FREEDOM for Yourself, Through Business Ownership
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Young Entrepreneur Proves Age Doesn't Matter in Franchising
1w ago01:02:07Tap to summarizeMost people think franchise ownership is something you do later in life after climbing the corporate ladder. Brian Garvey proves otherwise. In this episode, Brian shares how he went from walking on at the University of Tennessee, to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, to becoming a franchise owner at just 25 years old through Express Employment Professionals' Emerging Entrepreneur Program. We discuss mentorship, leadership, taking calculated risks, and why business ownership isn't just for experienced executives. If you've ever wondered whether you're too young to own a business, this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Why Franchising Isn't Just for Older Professionals 02:00 Why Young Entrepreneurs Want Business Ownership 06:00 Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Regret 07:46 Lessons From Walking On at Tennessee Football 12:47 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Prepared Him for Business Ownership 16:27 How the Emerging Entrepreneur Program Works 28:20 Taking the Leap Into Franchise Ownership 32:36 Why You Don't Need to Know Everything Before Starting 39:35 Building Wealth Through Franchise Ownership 45:16 How Great Leaders Build Great Teams 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #FranchiseBusiness #BusinessOwnership #Entrepreneur
Transcribe →The Land Investing Strategy Most People Overlook
3w ago00:49:46Tap to summarizeMost people think real estate investing starts with houses. Brent Bowers built his business by focusing on something most investors completely ignore: land. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Brent shares how he went from serving in the military to building a land investing business that generated enough income for him to leave the Army, create financial freedom, and help others do the same. We discuss land flipping, tax-delinquent properties, affordable housing, manufactured homes, creative financing, using other people's money, and why land may be one of the most misunderstood opportunities in real estate today. Whether you're interested in real estate investing, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, or finding an alternative path to business ownership, this conversation is packed with practical insights. In this episode: -How Brent got started buying tax-delinquent land -Building passive income through seller financing -Why affordable housing is creating new opportunities -The land-home package model explained -Using private money and creative financing -Why freedom matters more than wealth -Lessons from entrepreneurship and military service Timestamps: 00:02:23 — From Real Estate Failure to the Military 00:03:56 — The Tax-Delinquent Land Strategy That Changed Everything 00:04:41 — Replacing His Army Income With Land Investing 00:06:34 — Why So Many People Want to Own Land 00:08:31 — The Affordable Housing Opportunity Nobody Is Talking About 00:11:21 — How Land + Manufactured Home Packages Work 00:13:00 — How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Start? 00:15:34 — How Brent Raises Private Money for Deals 00:19:58 — The Real Secret to Higher Profits in Land Investing 00:28:54 — Why Freedom Matters More Than Money Connect with Brent here: Website: https://www.thelandsharks.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brentlbowers @brentlbowers 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #LandInvesting #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →Most People Think About Buying Businesses Backwards
Jun 400:55:36Tap to summarizeMost people think buying an existing business is the safer path. After all, why start from zero when you can buy something that already has revenue, employees, customers, and cash flow? But here’s the part many people miss: when you buy a profitable business, you’re often buying high. You’re paying a premium for something someone else already built. And if your goal is to eventually sell, you have to ask a much bigger question: Where does the upside come from? In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes Barefoot breaks down the difference between buying an existing business, starting from scratch, and investing in a franchise. He explains why cash flow on day one can be appealing, but also why it can come with hidden risks like debt service, employee turnover, customer relationships, steep learning curves, and sellers trying to exit at the top. If you’re considering business ownership, buying a business, or exploring franchising, this episode will help you think through the decision with a clearer framework. Timestamps: 0:00 — Why Buying a Business Sounds So Appealing 0:29 — The Question Most Buyers Don’t Ask 3:32 — The Buy Low, Sell High Reframe 4:36 — Buying a Profitable Business Means Paying a Premium 7:33 — The Levers You Need Before You Buy 18:47 — Buying a Business Doesn’t Mean Skipping the Grind 22:15 — The Hardest Part of Business Ownership 27:32 — Customer Relationships May Not Transfer 34:05 — Why Is the Business Really for Sale? 50:43 — The Three Paths to Business Ownership 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #BusinessOwnership #Franchising #BuyingABusiness
Transcribe →Miserable at Her 'Dream Job' at 23 — Now She Owns 3 Franchise Brands
Apr 2301:01:48Tap to summarizeShe was 23, miserable in her "dream job," and had never run a business in her life. Today, Anna Dey is a multi-brand, multi-unit franchisee who has owned six different franchise systems — and retired her parents in their 50s along the way. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Anna breaks down exactly how she got started using her dad's ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) funds, how she went from sweaty owner-operator grinding 7 days a week to building a team that runs her businesses without her, and why she'll never buy an existing business when she can build one from scratch. We cover: → How to use ROBS to fund your first franchise with zero outside investors → Why passion alignment works for some franchisees — and destroys others → The phantom equity structure Anna uses to keep her best leaders loyal → Why she cut her portfolio in half and what triggered that decision → The "sweat equity vs. financial equity" rule every aspiring owner needs to hear → Why franchise resales that never sold inside the network are a red flag → The difference between being an owner-operator and a true portfolio owner Whether you're thinking about your first franchise or your fifth, Anna's story is one of the most honest, real-world looks at what multi-unit franchise ownership actually takes. ───────────────────────────── CHAPTERS ───────────────────────────── 0:00 Intro — Meet Anna Dey, multi-brand franchise owner 2:02 Anna's current portfolio: Clean Eats, Smoothie King & Go Glow 4:12 Miserable in her "dream job" at 23 — the origin story 6:18 Using ROBS (401k rollover) to fund her first franchise 8:10 Being an all-in owner-operator: 7 days a week, top 5% nationally 9:59 The Cinderella exit: selling after 9.5 years & retiring her parents 12:10 How to start with a partner using a shifting equity structure 14:29 "You have to be the sweat equity OR the financial equity." 16:50 The #1 key to success across all 6 systems: people 19:39 Phantom equity explained — how to make great people stay 24:31 How Anna finds leaders: personal referrals over job postings 28:30 Her honest confession: going wide across brands vs. deep in one 35:15 Why brand diversification saved her during COVID 39:15 Why she will never buy an existing business 45:18 The red flag in franchise resales 50:30 Where to start if you're overwhelmed by franchising options 57:56 "Your passion stops being your passion the second it's your livelihood" 59:39 Where to connect with Anna Dey ───────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH ANNA DEY ───────────────────────────── LinkedIn: Anna Dey (D-E-Y) Website: TheFranSpot.com ───────────────────────────── WORK WITH WES ──────────────────────────── 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ ───────────────────────────── #FranchiseOwnership #FranchiseUnfiltered #Franchising #BusinessOwnership #SmallBusiness #MultiUnitFranchise #EntrepreneurMindset #FranchiseConsulting #ROBS #PhantomEquity #BusinessFreedom #WealthBuilding #FranchiseTips #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom
Transcribe →Thinking About Multiple Franchise Locations? Watch This First
Apr 900:40:27Tap to summarizeMost people think committing to multiple franchise locations means opening all of them at once… and needing ALL the money upfront. That’s not how it works. In this video, we break down the truth about multi-unit franchising — including what actually happens when you commit to multiple locations, how development timelines really work, and why many experienced operators choose this strategy. If you’re considering franchise ownership, this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Watch this before you commit. Timestamps: 0:16 — One Location or Multiple? 1:03 — What This Video Is Really About 2:05 — The Big Decision Explained 3:12 — Do You Have to Open All at Once? 4:41 — What Is a Multi-Unit Agreement? 5:55 — Why People Choose Multiple Locations 8:29 — The Cost Advantage Explained 13:45 — Why Multi-Unit Owners Scale Faster 20:12 — The Downsides You Need to Know 32:40 — The Truth About Opening Multiple Locations 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchise #MultiUnit #Business
Transcribe →Wellness Franchise Boom: Here's Why Pause Studio Stands Out
Mar 2600:50:04Tap to summarizeThe wellness industry isn’t just growing—it’s exploding into a trillion-dollar global market. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Jeff Ono (Co-Founder & President of Pause Studio) and Lisa Tengbom (Strategic Specialist) to break down what’s driving this surge—and how Pause Studio is positioning itself within it. They unpack how modern lifestyles, increased stress, and a shift toward proactive health are fueling demand for recovery and wellness services. From cold plunges and IV therapy to flotation and contrast therapy, Pause Studio brings multiple science-backed modalities under one roof—making high-end wellness more accessible. But what really sets them apart? A new credit-based membership model designed to increase flexibility, usage, and long-term engagement A focus on repeat clients over vanity metrics A premium, high-touch experience that prioritizes how customers feel the moment they walk in A disciplined expansion strategy—growing intentionally, not everywhere They also share what they’ve learned scaling the brand: Why leadership style is the biggest differentiator among top franchisees The key KPIs that actually matter (and what to ignore) Why this is not an absentee-owner business—and what it really takes to succeed With dozens of locations open and many more in development, Pause Studio is tapping into a massive shift: people are no longer treating wellness as a luxury—it’s becoming a lifestyle. If you’ve been curious about franchising, business ownership, or where the wellness industry is headed next—this episode breaks it down. Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Franchise Unfiltered 01:44 — What Pause Studio Actually Does 03:45 — The Trillion-Dollar Wellness Boom 04:58 — Why People Are Shifting to Proactive Health 07:00 — The New Membership Model Explained 08:10 — How Credits Increase Customer Spending 11:50 — How Fast Pause Studio Is Expanding 13:20 — The “Pause Lite” Expansion Strategy 15:42 — What Makes Top Franchisees Successful 20:34 — The Biggest Mistakes Franchise Owners Make 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #PauseStudio #Wellness #Franchise
Transcribe →This Hot Pilates Concept Was Built From a Gap in the Market
Mar 1300:45:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, we sit down with Rosalie Black, founder and CEO of VibeHouse Hot Pilates, and Marisa Kochnover, Director of Franchise Development. Rosalie didn’t originally set out to start a fitness business. She was simply searching for a workout that didn’t exist — something that combined the intensity of hot yoga, the strength of Pilates, great music, and a strong sense of community. So she built it. VibeHouse is an infrared-heated, music-driven mat Pilates concept designed to create an energetic workout experience without the intimidation factor of traditional reformer-based studios. In this conversation, we break down: • How Rosalie went from real estate to building a fitness brand • Why mat Pilates dramatically reduces startup costs compared to reformer studios • The moment she realized the business could scale into a franchise • Why leadership and team building are the hardest parts of business ownership • What the day-to-day life of a fitness franchise owner really looks like • Why community and culture drive retention and referrals If you're curious about fitness franchising, entrepreneurship, or building a scalable brand, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how a concept can grow from a simple idea into a national franchise opportunity. 📩 Interested in learning more about franchise ownership? Schedule a free strategy call using the link in the show notes. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – Franchise Unfiltered & Guests 01:19 What Is VibeHouse Hot Pilates? 02:02 The Story: Building a Workout That Didn’t Exist 06:21 When She Realized the Business Could Franchise 09:04 Who Is the Ideal Franchise Owner? 12:40 The Reality of Owning a Fitness Business 17:14 The First 6 Months as a Studio Owner 27:53 Why Community Drives Fitness Business Success 31:24 How the VibeHouse Studio Experience Works 40:31 How Business Ownership Changes People’s Lives 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #VibeHouse #Pilates #Business
Transcribe →Franchising Is Just a Vehicle...Are You Driving It Right?
Feb 2700:39:55Tap to summarizeFranchising isn’t magic. It isn’t passive income. And it isn’t a shortcut. It’s a vehicle. Just like real estate. Just like the stock market. If you drive it correctly, it can take you exactly where you want to go. If you don’t? It won’t. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes Barefoot sits down with Jake Hamburger, co-founder of Franchise Frameworks, to break down what a great franchise discovery process actually looks like—and why most candidates (and franchisors) get it wrong. We cover: • Why franchising is NOT a sales process• The difference between speed and momentum• What organized brands do differently• Red flags in franchise development• Why preparation determines long-term success If you’re researching franchise ownership…or you’re a franchisor evaluating your development process…this conversation will change how you think about it. Timestamps: 0:00:00 — Franchising Is a Vehicle 0:05:06 — If You Start Right, You Finish Right 0:07:40 — Get to a Yes or a No 0:08:46 — Your Process Is Sending a Message 0:13:24 — It’s Not a Sale 0:17:10 — This Takes Time 0:18:44 — Is This What It’s Going to Be Like? 0:33:37 — Momentum Is Huge 0:36:10 — Stop Messing Around 0:36:38 — Do the Damn Work 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Truth #Business
Transcribe →Established Salon Model Moves Into Franchising With Industry Veteran!
Feb 1200:36:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Kurt Landwehr, founder and CEO of OVO Salons, to break down a salon franchise model that doesn’t fit neatly into the usual categories. While OVO may appear to be an emerging franchise, the business itself has been operating successfully for 18 years in Atlanta, one of the most competitive salon markets in the country. What’s new isn’t the model...it’s the decision to franchise it. Kurt explains how OVO blends commission-based stylists and chair rental under one roof, creating a hybrid approach that benefits both stylists and franchise owners. This structure allows stylists to grow their careers without leaving the salon, while giving owners flexibility to adjust their revenue mix as the business matures. The conversation also explores the “massive middle” of the salon industry — a largely fragmented segment dominated by independent operators — and why OVO is intentionally positioning itself there rather than competing with discount chains or salon suites. Wes and Kurt discuss who this franchise model is designed for, why no hair-cutting experience is required, and how leadership, management, and people skills matter far more than technical ability. They also cover investment ranges, build-out costs, scalability, and why OVO is built for multi-unit ownership, not owner-operators. If you’re evaluating franchise opportunities and want to understand how a proven business can still be early in its franchising journey, this episode offers a clear, grounded look at how OVO Salons is approaching growth. 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Salon #OVO
Transcribe →This Franchise Hasn’t Even Launched Yet… And It’s Already a Game-Changer
Jan 2900:32:51Tap to summarizeI don’t say this lightly. In more than 12 years working in franchising, I’ve seen hundreds of brands launch—most of them look the same, follow the same playbook, and make the same promises. This one doesn’t. In this solo episode of Franchise Unfiltered, I’m giving you early, insider access to a brand that hasn’t even officially launched yet—and it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in the health and wellness space. This concept brings performance, longevity, recovery, diagnostics, and personalized optimization under one roof… backed by one of the most experienced franchise leadership teams in the industry and partnered with some of the most recognizable names in health and human performance. We’ll break down: Why health & wellness franchising is entering a new era What makes this model fundamentally different from anything else on the market Who this opportunity is actually for (and who it’s not) Why timing and early access matter with emerging franchise brands If you’ve been waiting for something bigger than “just another franchise,” this is one you need to hear about. 👉 Interested in business ownership or franchising? Click the link in the show notes to schedule a free, no-obligation strategy call. My role is to help you understand your options, evaluate fit, and navigate the due-diligence process the right way. 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Franchise #Opportunity
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