Podcast
The Sidekick Life
Hosted by Franchise Sidekick · EN
The Sidekick Life podcast explores how successful entrepreneurs are building fulfilling lives by creating solutions that serve others. Co-hosts Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen dive into real stories of franchise owners and business leaders who have transformed their own journeys into platforms for helping others thrive. In each episode, they dive into real-life challenges and inspiring stories from people who are changing lives and living life on their own terms. Tune in to discover how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can be the key to freedom, fulfillment, and lasting impact.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stop overpaying IRS
Mar 401:00:01Tap to summarizeIs franchise ownership right for you? https://hubs.ly/Q03-pnR00What if tax season didn’t feel like a surprise bill you just accept … but a strategy you run on purpose?On this episode of “The Sidekick Life,” Ryan and Tyler sit down with Matt Bontrager, founder and CEO of TrueBooks, to talk about what most high earners get wrong about taxes – and how to legally keep more of what you make.This isn’t about gimmicks, loopholes or shady write-offs. It’s about understanding the rules, using them intentionally and building a plan that matches your goals.“TrueBooks is my baby … we focus on tax and accounting for specifically real estate investors and business owners,” Matt said.
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The Value of Franchising
Feb 1800:31:32Tap to summarizeWe sat down with Matt Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association, to unpack a powerful new report on the value of franchising and why the future of this business model depends on smart advocacy, real data and bold storytelling.And yes … we also talk about the biggest event in franchising happening next week in Vegas. 👀The IFA partnered with Oxford Economics to create a comprehensive, data-backed report on the impact of franchising across the U.S. economy.But why now?“We’re always trying to create conversation about franchising … Data is really important for us to tell the story,” Matt said.In a world where opinions travel faster than facts, the IFA wanted something irrefutable. This wasn’t anecdotal. It includes:3,000 franchisees surveyedRepresentation across 300+ industriesPayroll data comparing franchise vs. non-franchise businessesThe goal? Ground the conversation in real numbers and protect a business model that creates wealth, jobs and opportunity.
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What do franchise buyers really want?
Feb 1100:34:32Tap to summarizeWhat if franchising wasn’t driven by hype, opinions and paid rankings … but by real buyer behavior?In this episode of “The Sidekick Life,” Ryan sits down with Sidekick COO Michael Judkins to unpack something the franchise industry hasn’t seen before: The Best Damn Franchise Report. It’s a first-of-its-kind look at franchising built on real buyer data.Instead of “top franchise lists” that often feel like marketing, this report pulls insights from 73,000+ prospective franchisees and 3,500 in-depth Franchise Fit Surveys to answer the questions that actually matter:- What do today’s franchise buyers really want?- What are they avoiding?- And where are the smartest opportunities hiding in plain sight?As Michael puts it, this wasn’t just a cool internal project—it became something bigger.“We had hundreds of thousands of data points … and we’d never macro-analyzed it. Once we got into it, there was some pretty compelling information.”
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Top franchise brands of 2025
Feb 400:28:39Tap to summarizeThe first episode of “The Sidekick Life” in 2026 kicks off with a look back and a look ahead. Ryan is joined by executive franchise advisor Anthony Hudson to break down the Top 10 franchise brands of 2025, based not on hype, but on real client demand.“These aren’t our favorites,” Ryan explains. “These are the brands clients actually chose after going through our process.”With over 300 vetted franchise concepts and thousands of buyers served, this annual list offers a rare, data-backed snapshot of where franchise ownership is really heading – and what opportunities still have serious momentum going into 2026.
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How to sell without selling
Jan 2100:33:43Tap to summarizeSales doesn’t have to feel like pressure, persuasion, or “closing.” In this episode, we sit down with Becc Holland, CEO of Flip the Script, to unpack a buyer-first approach to selling that builds trust fast—and actually protects the customer from making a bad decision.Becc shares why most sales training creates a power struggle, how to shift from pitching to diagnosing, and the simple talk ratio that changes everything: talk less, ask better questions, and earn trust through clarity—not charm.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to be salesy,” this one’s for you.What you’ll learn:Why “people buy from people they like” is misleading (and what matters more)How to sell by diagnosing, not convincingThe #1 mistake companies make: not truly learning their buyerHow to break down “buyer walls” without manipulationThe ideal talk ratio on a first call (10–15% seller / 85–90% buyer)Why misaligned expectations are the silent killer in business decisions (especially franchising)More from Becc Holland:Flip the Script free sales training hub (200+ hours): flipthescript.com → Free Sales Training HubWant to explore business ownership (for free)?Sign up for our quick webinar: 10,000 Locations & the Franchise Buyer’s Blueprint: https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRw
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From medical sales to franchisee
Jan 700:38:50Tap to summarizeJoin our webinar:https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRwIn this “Advisors Takeover” episode of The Sidekick Life, Senior Franchise Advisors Anthony Hudson and Jason Rutledge step into the studio and sit down with Ben Burnap—Franchise Sidekick advisor and the owner of Pink’s Window Cleaning Services in Los Angeles.Ben shares his jump from high-pressure medical sales to business ownership, why Pink’s mission and brand made him go all-in, and how he validated an emerging franchise without tons of local data. You’ll hear what the Pink’s training and support actually looks like, the early “trial-by-fire” moments (yes… the no-water window job), and what changed over Ben’s first 12 months to make operations smoother and growth faster.They also dig into hiring for attitude and culture, building a team with a real career path, and how Pink’s customer experience + marketing engine helps win in a competitive market like LA. Plus: Ben talks Resi Brands, the Cody Sanchez effect, and why he says Pink’s is “a bazooka in a knife fight.”If you’re considering a service-based franchise—or want a real look at what year one can feel like—this one’s for you.
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How to run a successful franchise
Dec 1000:30:37Tap to summarizeJoin our free business blueprint webinar: https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRwHow do you actually run a successful franchise?Franchise expert Angela Coté, founder & CEO of AC Inc., joins The Sidekick Life to break down the truth about franchise success—from following the system, to scaling beyond owner-operator mode, to building exit value through coaching, KPIs, and leadership.Angela has spent her entire life in franchising (18 years as a franchisee + decades inside a 500-unit brand) and today she trains the operations coaches who support franchise owners across North America. In this episode, she shares the exact frameworks, tools, and mindsets that separate top-performing franchisees from everyone else.
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Is Franchising Worth It? A Real Couple’s Journey From Doubt to Success
Nov 2600:36:04Tap to summarizeTwo people who never wanted a franchise… end up thriving as franchise owners. What happened? 👀In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan sits down at Sidekick Summit in Scottsdale with Amanda and Frank Lorenz, Bar-B-Clean franchisees in the East Valley of Arizona. They walk through their full journey—from searching for an existing business, swearing off franchising, and worrying about “losing control”… to finding Bar-B-Clean through Franchise Sidekick, validating the brand, and building a growing business while both still working full-time jobs.They talk honestly about:Why they originally said “absolutely not” to franchisingThe perception of less control vs the reality they live todayWorking with Sidekick advisor Des to narrow brands and reduce riskHiring struggles, seasonality, and what it’s really like running a “dirty job” in Arizona heatHow community with other franchisees and the franchisor has been a game changerThe turning point moment at a trade show when they realized, “Oh wow… this is going to be big.”Their #1 piece of advice for anyone thinking about opening a business or buying a franchise:Use your own judgment, make decisions based on facts, not fear or other people’s opinions.If you’re on the fence about starting a business or buying a franchise—and everyone around you is saying it’s “too risky”—this episode will help you see the decision more clearly.
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The Hottest Franchise Brands of Fall 2025
Nov 1900:23:14Tap to summarizeJoin our free business blueprint webinar: https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhRwIf you’re exploring franchise ownership and wondering where to begin, this episode is your shortcut. At Franchise Sidekick, our advisors track real client interest, performance, and momentum across hundreds of franchise brands. Each season, we rank the top 10 most sought-after opportunities — the ones clients can’t stop talking about.Some are proven industry powerhouses. Others are fast-growing emerging concepts. All have one thing in common: they’re scaling quickly, and territories won’t stay open for long.In this Fall 2025 “Hot Brands” breakdown, Ryan Zink and Senior Advisor Anthony Hudson reveal the most in-demand franchises based on 1,300+ client introductions over the last three months. From wellness and longevity to home services, logistics, pools, golf simulators, and innovative business services, you’ll learn:Why these brands are surging in popularityWhat makes each model attractive (cost, employees, recurring revenue, lifestyle, and more)Real investment ranges — from $43K to $800KThe surprising number of home-based, low-employee, and semi-passive opportunitiesThe #1 brand that just won’t give up the top spotWhether you're early in your franchise search or looking for the next big opportunity, this list is where serious buyers start.
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Why 99% Never Post (and How You Won’t Be One of Them)
Nov 1200:52:18Tap to summarizeWhy 99% Never Post (and How You Won’t Be One of Them) w/ Brooke BudkeMost people lurk. A tiny 1% creates. In this episode, Brooke Budke (CEO of Momentum Brands) shows you exactly how to move from silent consumer to confident creator on LinkedIn—without feeling cringey or fake. We get into the “engage first” method, five content pillars, simple posting cadence, and the mindset that crushes the fear of being judged.You’ll learnThe Engage First method: the zero-pressure way to start nowWhy “stories sell, facts tell” on LinkedInThe 1% creator advantage (and how to join it)A 10-day batching + scheduling system anyone can runHow leaders spark team-wide posting (without forcing it)Commenting like a pro: turning strangers into supportersMindset flips for “I’m not enough” & fear of criticismWhy authentic personal posts often outperform polished “work” postsAbout BrookeBrooke Budke is the CEO of Momentum Brands, one of franchising’s most respected marketing firms. She helps executives and brands build magnetic online presence through authentic storytelling and repeatable systems.If this helped, follow the show, rate it, and share with a friend who needs a nudge to hit “Post.”
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