Franchise Unfiltered

Why He Chose Franchising Over Buying a Business (And Won Big)

🚀 Burned out from corporate America, Ryan ditched banking layoffs and the acquisition rat race to take control of his future. Instead of buying a business, he chose a Cabinet IQ franchise — and the results have been incredible. In this episode, Ryan shares why franchising beat acquisitions, how he scaled fast, and the systems that changed everything. 

 

💡 If you’re tired of corporate burnout and dreaming of building something of your own, this episode shows what’s possible.

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 #Entrepreneurship #Success

Cleaning Crime Scenes & Changing Lives: The Franchise You’ve Never Heard Of

Most people don’t know this franchise even exists—but it’s one of the most impactful and emotionally intense businesses you’ll ever hear about. BioOne franchisees clean up crime scenes, drug houses, and trauma sites with a mission-first mindset. In this episode, Wes sits down with Danessa Itaya and Cheryl Chason to uncover the powerful, gritty, and purpose-driven world behind BioOne.

 

Timestamps

00:00 – What is BioOne?

02:30 – “Help First, Business Second” philosophy

06:45 – How Cheryl got into crime scene cleaning

08:50 – Why they left corporate jobs for franchising

12:00 – Juggling multiple franchises

17:00 – The mission behind BioOne

22:15 – Drug remediation & industry regulations

29:30 – How to find and keep great technicians

37:00 – Getting out of the day-to-day grind

46:00 – The machine that detects drugs in 8 seconds

 

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/

 

#TraumaCleanup #Franchise #BioOne

Is This the Smartest Food Franchise Model in America?

🍕 Is This the Smartest Food Franchise Model in America?

 

Cascadia Pizza might just be the best-kept secret in franchising.

 

In this episode, Thomas Reinhard, co-founder of Cascadia Pizza Co., breaks down how they turned a mobile wood-fired pizza truck into a booming franchise with brick-and-mortar stores, high-margin catering, and massive community buzz — all while offering a launch runway in just 12 weeks.

 

We cover:

 

Why small towns are outperforming big cities

 

How one high schooler became a franchise owner

 

Why Gen Z is fighting for jobs here

 

What makes this model different from every other food franchise you've seen

 

And how Cascadia is redefining pizza as “affordable luxury”

 

If you're curious about business ownership, community-driven growth, or building something fun and profitable, you don't want to miss this.

 

🎯 16–20% net margins | 🚛 Mobile-first launch | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly & community-focused

 

00:00 – Is This the Smartest Food Franchise Model in America?

01:26 – What Makes Cascadia Pizza So Unique

03:50 – From Law School to Pizza Franchise Co-Founder

06:45 – The Unexpected Path to Franchising

08:37 – How the First Franchisee Launched with Success

11:32 – Who Should (and Shouldn't) Own a Cascadia Franchise

13:29 – Why Small Towns Are a Secret Weapon

16:09 – Pizza as “Affordable Luxury” and a Community Magnet

22:33 – How to Launch with a Food Truck in Just 12 Weeks

42:52 – Cascadia’s Impressive 16–20% Profit Margins Explained

 

 

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/

 

Cascadia Pizza: https://www.cascadiapizzafranchising.com/

 

#Franchise #Podcast #FranchiseUnfiltered

How a $20K Fitness Contest Launched Her Franchise Journey

Raisa Zovklaya didn’t have the money to start a franchise—so she entered a $20K fitness contest. She lost… but kept going anyway. In this episode, Wes sits down with Raisa to unpack her bold leap from nursing into franchise ownership with Project Lean Nation, how she funded it, built community, and found purpose. This is what betting on yourself really looks like.

 

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Wes mispronounces Raisa’s last name 😅

00:44 – Meet Raisa: Ukrainian-born, Syracuse-raised

05:13 – From CrossFit curiosity to franchise opportunity

06:50 – The $20K fitness contest that sparked everything

09:40 – Losing the contest but refusing to quit

11:15 – High-interest loan → franchise fee paid

13:30 – Choosing the perfect location with Tim

18:45 – What Project Lean Nation actually does

22:00 – Why passion, not profit, drove her decision

29:50 – Burnout, delegation, and team building

37:00 – How community and networking fuel real growth

45:10 – Why she says: “If you're in it just to open a business, this isn’t for you.”

55:00 – Her vision for store #2 (and beyond)

 

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/

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

He Rebranded a Bug Business into a $31B Empire

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes Barefoot welcomes back Andy Fuller, founder and CEO of Mosquito Hunters — now expanded into Pest Hunters and Humbug Holiday Lighting. Andy shares the story behind the rebrand, the mindset shift from seasonal hustle to empire-building, and how his franchise model grew from a $2B niche into a $31B multi-service powerhouse.

 

Whether you're a franchisee, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with gold.

 

⏱️ Timestamps

 

00:16 – Why Andy Fuller is back: A major rebrand & new service lines

02:05 – From corporate burnout to business with purpose

05:14 – The 3-in-1 model: Pest Hunters, Mosquito Hunters, and Humbug Holiday Lighting

08:53 – Why holiday lighting isn’t just a side hustle anymore

15:01 – The “keeping up with the Joneses” effect driving massive demand

21:26 – Marketing strategy: Why “Christmas in July” works

26:59 – What the DQ Blizzard, Big Mac, and stuffed crust pizza have in common with franchising

30:30 – From $2B to $31B: The math that justified the rebrand

33:43 – Higher-caliber franchisee candidates since launching the 3-in-1 model

36:56 – Costs, equipment, and what new owners need to get started

 

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/

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

He Built a Multi-Million Dollar Franchise, Then Sold It — Here's How

After 14 years of building one of the highest-performing ShelfGenie franchises, Alan Regala sold his business and stepped into a brand-new chapter of life. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Alan shares how he went from mechanical engineer to successful franchise owner — and what it really takes to build a business that’s actually sellable.

 

We cover:

✅ The mindset behind long-term success

✅ How to avoid burnout as a franchise owner

✅ The systems that make a franchise valuable

✅ Why most people don’t think about the exit early enough

✅ What Alan is doing now with Athlete2Owner

 

Whether you're considering buying a franchise, scaling your business, or preparing for a future exit, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

 

🎯 Learn how to build a business with freedom, flexibility, and long-term value.

 

Timestamps:

 

00:00 – From Franchisee to Friend: Alan’s 7-Year Journey

03:10 – The Exit Strategy Most Franchise Owners Ignore

05:45 – How to Build a Franchise That Doesn’t Depend on You

08:30 – The Systems That Made His Business Sellable

13:20 – From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Alan’s Career Shift

16:00 – The Book That Sparked His Business Mindset

20:10 – Why Franchising Was the Perfect Fit (And Almost Didn’t Happen)

25:40 – Innovating Inside the Franchise System

44:00 – The Moment He Knew It Was Time to Sell

57:00 – Life After the Exit: Coaching New Franchise Owners

 

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/

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Why This Former Executive Bet Big on Dumpsters—and Won

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered podcast, Wes Barefoot sits down with Larry Oglesby—a former corporate executive turned fast-scaling franchisee. Larry shares how he transitioned from a 30-year corporate career into owning two franchise businesses in just 18 months: Redbox Plus Dumpsters and Cool Bins.

 

We dive deep into how Larry built his franchise portfolio under the Belfor umbrella, the surprising synergy between dumpster rentals and portable storage, and why trust, leadership, and people-first hiring are his secret weapons. Larry also reveals why he believes franchise ownership, franchise scalability, and franchise opportunity are more attainable than most think—even after losing seven figures during COVID.

 

Whether you're a burned-out executive, a curious entrepreneur, or someone looking to buy a franchise business, this episode is packed with raw, real-world wisdom from someone who’s walked the walk.

 

✅ Learn why Larry calls franchising a “second career with more freedom”

✅ Hear how he went from consulting global CEOs to hauling dumpsters (by choice!)

✅ Find out how to scale your franchise, scale your team, and scale your income

 

📍Larry operates Redbox Plus and Cool Bins in Greater Athens, GA.

Find him by searching: Redbox Plus Dumpsters Athens, Cool Bins Athens, or connect on LinkedIn.

 

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/

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Meet the Fitness Franchise That’s Disrupting an Oversaturated Market

Is boutique fitness oversaturated? Discover Strength doesn’t think so — because they’re doing it completely differently.

 

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development for Discover Strength, a cutting-edge fitness brand redefining what it means to own and operate a premium fitness franchise.

 

With a science-backed, twice-per-week strength training model, degreed exercise physiologists, and a high-end client experience, Discover Strength is turning heads — not just with customers, but with serious franchise investors.

 

💡 Learn:

 

-Why Discover Strength turns down unqualified candidates

-What makes resistance training the most in-demand fitness solution

-The unique culture and retention strategy behind their explosive growth

-Why they aim for 250 elite locations instead of 1,000+ mediocre ones

 

🔥 Whether you’re exploring fitness franchises or just want to know what’s next in boutique wellness, this episode is a must-watch.

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

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/

 

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Fitness

This Franchise Is Saving Teen Lives — And It’s Just Getting Started 🚗

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes sits down with franchise veteran Zach Beutler to talk about his latest venture: Jungle Driving — a groundbreaking driver’s education concept that's saving teen lives and reshaping what franchising looks like in the education space.

 

We dive deep into: 

 

✅ How Jungle Driving blends UPS safety methods with teen-focused learning

✅ What it takes to scale a franchise from one concept to a national brand

✅ Why most driver’s ed programs are outdated (and how Jungle fixes it)

✅ How Zach bounced back from bankruptcy to build one of the most promising new brands in franchising

✅ Creative, low-cost customer acquisition strategies without relying on digital ads

✅ Building a franchise system that parents and kids love

 

Whether you’re a parent, a franchise investor, or just someone passionate about business innovation — this is one you don’t want to miss.

 

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jungledriving.com

 

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting. 

 

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/

 

Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.

 

#FranchisePodcast #JungleDriving #TeenDriversEd #FranchiseOpportunity #BusinessInnovation

Setback To CEO: The Jaw-Dropping Comeback Story of Tim Dougherty

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising.

 

In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nutrition.

 

Today, Project Lean Nation is a fast-growing franchise built on purpose, accountability, and powerful transformation.

 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring franchisee, or someone looking for hope—you need to hear this story.

 

Timestamps:

 

0:00 Intro

0:48 The FBI shows up

2:11 What is Project Lean Nation?

15:22 From prison to purpose

21:00 The first 1,000 meals

23:21 Redemption through service

34:04 How franchising came into play

55:04 Tech, scalability, and support

59:56 What makes a great franchisee?

1:08:54 Revenue potential and membership model

1:13:00 Final thoughts and contact info

 

Resources & Links:

 

Website: https://www.projectleannation.com

Franchise Info: https://www.projectleannation.com/franchise

Email Tim: tim@projectleannation.com

Follow Tim on Instagram: https://instagram.com/plntim

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

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/

 

Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.

 

#Franchise #RedemptionStory #Entrepreneurship