Franchise Secrets Podcast

Most business owners are using AI—but very few are using it to actually think better. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, to explain why...

AI is changing franchising fast—but most people are still barely scratching the surface of what it can actually do. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn breaks down how he's using AI across his franchise...

Most business owners are asking how AI can save them time. Chick-fil-A Operator Jon Harmeling is asking a different question: What are you going to do with the time AI gives back to you? In this episode of Franchise...

Scaling a franchise can look successful on paper while quietly draining your available cash. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Sherri Seiber, President of FranFund, to break down what...

Buying your first franchise is very different from buying your second, third, or fourth. First-time franchise buyers often wrestle with fear, FOMO, passion, replacing their W-2 income, and finding the "next big thing."...

AI is changing franchising...but not in the way most people think. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Brooke Budke to discuss how successful franchise brands are using AI to improve...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people research franchises—but should it make the decision for you? In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Amy Layne and Nic Leland to discuss how...

Most franchisors think growth comes from selling more franchises. The best franchisors know it comes from listening to the people already in the system. In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn explores one...

Why do so many successful entrepreneurs struggle when they become franchisors? Owning a profitable business and building a successful franchise system are two completely different skill sets. In this episode of the...

Most people think choosing a franchise starts with picking the right industry. They're wrong. In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with George to discuss what experienced franchise buyers actually look for before...

What happens when you walk away from a stable healthcare career to start selling window blinds? In this episode of Franchise Secrets, George Huizinga shares the unexpected journey that led him from managing nursing...

Most franchise buyers are using AI the wrong way. AI can be a powerful tool for franchise research, FDD breakdowns, Item 19 analysis, Item 20 review, competitive research, and buy-or-pass decision making. But if you're...

Two friends. Two franchise brands. Both blindsided by the same private equity playbook. I break down what happened — the right of first refusal trap, the replacement cost game, the "second bite of the apple" pitch — and...

What happens when AI becomes a requirement instead of an advantage? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Shaina Denny to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming franchising, why most brands are...

The pet care industry is changing fast—and for franchise owners, it may be one of the most overlooked opportunities in business ownership. In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Shaina Denny, founder of Dogdrop...