Advertise on podcast: Franchise Frontier

What happens when you build a business, start finding success, and suddenly have to leave it for nine months? For Nick Whitehead, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing of Western Montana, that wasn't a hypothetical question. After transitioning from a successful tool sales franchise into the roofing industry, Nick set out to build something bigger than himself. Then came an unexpected challenge: deployment to Iraq with the Army National Guard. In this episode of Franchise Frontier, Nick joins host Dave Kimura to discuss what it really takes to build a scalable business, develop leaders, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, and create an organization that doesn't depend on the owner for every decision. They explore the realities of franchise ownership, the importance of hiring the right people, the financial commitment required to start a business, and why leadership sometimes means getting out of your team's way. Nick also shares valuable lessons about evaluating franchise opportunities, understanding the support provided by a franchisor, and taking personal responsibility for the success of your business. Whether you're considering franchise ownership, building your first business, or looking to become a better leader, this conversation delivers practical insights from someone who's lived the experience.

Jeff spent years building teams and helping companies improve. But after experiencing layoffs and eventually having a position eliminated after helping turn a company around, something changed. Liz was on the other side. When I asked if she ever pictured herself as an entrepreneur, her answer was simple: "Never. Like never." That's what makes their story interesting. One was ready to go. One was terrified. Now they're building together. Business ownership isn't always a lifelong dream. Sometimes it starts with realizing you're ready to bet on yourself.

What does franchise ownership look like before the doors even open? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Josh Powell during a stage of the ownership journey we don't often get to capture: right after making the decision and while going through onboarding. Josh didn't jump into business ownership on impulse. He researched roughly 20 home-service businesses, built relationships with brokers and attorneys, and even submitted an offer to purchase an existing HVAC company. After another buyer came in nearly $200,000 higher, Josh decided that if HVAC was where he wanted to be, he might have to build the business himself. Josh shares how he evaluated Varsity Zone HVAC, what he learned during Discovery Day, why his goal was actually to find a reason not to move forward, and what ultimately gave him and his wife the confidence to say, "Let's do it." He also gets candid about balancing a demanding career, four young children, hiring his first GM, and completing franchise onboarding late at night. His message for prospective owners is simple: if you're going to commit, be ready to commit.

What happens when you leave one of the world's biggest companies to build a business of your own? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Drew Russ, owner of Stand Strong Fencing of Charlotte, to discuss his journey from a decade at Amazon Web Services to becoming a first-time business owner. Drew shares the realities of entrepreneurship that most people never talk about, from overcoming fear and building a team to learning every part of the business before earning the right to delegate. He also explains why business ownership isn't about finding comfort, it's about becoming comfortable with uncertainty. Whether you're considering franchise ownership, leaving the corporate world, or simply looking for insight into what it really takes to build something of your own, this episode delivers honest, practical advice from someone living it every day.

What separates a good franchise from a great one? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Jeremy Morgan, CEO of Groovy Hues Painting, to discuss how the brand has evolved from an emerging franchise into one of the fastest-growing concepts in the home services industry. Jeremy shares how Groovy Hues has transformed its technology stack, embraced AI, reinvented franchisee training, and built a coaching culture focused on helping owners scale their businesses faster than ever before. From streamlining operations and onboarding to leveraging AI and preparing franchisees for long-term success, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a franchise system designed for sustainable growth. Whether you're exploring franchise ownership or simply interested in how modern businesses are using technology to improve performance, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Thinking about owning a business? This episode is a masterclass in what really happens after you make the leap. Jeff Novak, owner of Gatsby Glass of Scottsdale, shares his journey from a successful software sales career to building one of the fastest-growing Gatsby Glass locations in the country. He opens up about the realities of startup life, hiring, leadership, customer experience, building culture, and why success comes from relentless improvement,not perfection. Whether you're exploring franchise ownership or already running a business, this conversation is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately.

What happens when you stop building someone else's dream and start building your own? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Wyatt Bigley, owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Montclair, New Jersey, to discuss what it's really like to leave a successful corporate career and launch your first business. Wyatt shares the mindset behind making the leap, why he chose franchising over starting from scratch, the importance of developing skills before becoming an owner, and how he's building a business rooted in community, leadership, and long-term wealth. From sales strategy and hiring to networking, customer experience, and planning an eventual business exit before even opening the doors, Wyatt offers a refreshing perspective on modern entrepreneurship. Whether you're considering franchise ownership or simply wondering if now is the right time to bet on yourself, this conversation is packed with practical advice and an honest look at the realities of building a business.

What happens when you leave a successful corporate career to build a business from scratch? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Carl Steinmann, owner of Varsity Zone HVAC in Mooresville, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, building a team, and why business ownership is far from passive. Carl shares his journey from corporate leadership and print sales to launching an HVAC business, the lessons learned from costly marketing mistakes, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of leading a growing team. From cash flow concerns and hiring missteps to networking, golf, and building a company culture people want to be part of, this conversation provides an honest look at what it takes to succeed as a business owner. If you're considering business ownership, this episode offers practical insights into the highs, lows, and realities of building something meaningful from the ground up.

What happens when you stop looking for a backup plan and fully commit? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Michael Glassman, owner of iFoam of Southeast Denver, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, betting on yourself, and building a business in the skilled trades. Michael shares his journey from what some consider "stable or safe"jobs, to founding and exiting a software company before launching an insulation business that's tripled revenue year over year. Along the way, he discusses the uncomfortable realities of ownership, the importance of resilience, and why some of the best opportunities can come from industries hiding in plain sight. Whether you're considering business ownership, scaling an existing company, or simply looking to develop a stronger entrepreneurial mindset, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and hard-earned wisdom.

What if the biggest lie about business ownership… is that it's passive? In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Trevor Rapoli, owner of Franchise Filming, to unpack the real highs, lows, risks, and rewards of building a business. From filming weddings as a teenager to building a storytelling company in the franchise space, Trevor shares a brutally honest look at entrepreneurship, self-doubt, leadership, hiring, relationships, and the mindset it takes to survive in business ownership. They dive into: Why business ownership is harder than people think How Trevor turned insecurity into fuel The lessons learned from early failures and pricing mistakes Why relationships drive long-term success The importance of hiring talented people early This episode is packed with real talk for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners trying to build something meaningful.

In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Gina Harreld, Senior Director of Learning and Business Growth at BNI, to break down how networking—when done right—can become your most powerful growth engine. From building a $10B brand on word-of-mouth to helping entrepreneurs scale globally, Gina shares how BNI transforms simple connections into consistent revenue, trusted relationships, and long-term business success.

You think lawn care is simple… until you actually run the business. In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Zac Lowder, owner of Heroes Lawn Care of The Woodlands, to break down what it really takes to build a service-based business from the ground up. From scaling a startup to $300M in revenue to launching a franchise in his own community, Zac shares the real lessons behind growth, hiring, leadership, and building a customer base that actually lasts. They dive into: Why recurring revenue is powerful—but slow to build The reality of hiring the right General Manager How to balance a full-time job while owning a business The importance of data-driven decisions Why communication and resilience are critical traits If you're considering business ownership or already in the trenches, this episode gives you a raw, honest look at what it takes to succeed.

Is business ownership really passive… or is that just what people want to believe?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with JT and Michelle Thompson,owners of Stand Strong Fencing in San Antonio to break down the real truth behind building and scaling multiple businesses.   From military service to real estate, retail, and now home services, JT and Michelle share the lessons they've learned about leadership, hiring, growth, and what it actually takes to succeed.   They dive into:   Why "passive business" is a myth The realities of hiring and leading people How to scale multiple businesses the right way Why grit matters more than talent The power of building in your local community   If you're considering business ownership or already in the game, this episode will challenge your mindset and give you a clearer picture of what success really demands.

What happens when you decide to reinvent yourself… instead of slowing down?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave sits down with Cheryl Alker, owner of Blingle Premier Lighting of Fort Myers, Florida, to unpack her journey from lifelong entrepreneur to building a thriving home services business later in life.   Cheryl shares what it really takes to start and grow a business from early struggles and first wins to scaling through strategic partnerships, customer experience, and community impact.   This episode is packed with real-world insight on:   Building trust in a "trust recession" Creating standout customer experiences Scaling through relationships and reputation Navigating seasonality and growth challenges   If you're thinking about business ownership or already in it his is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and doing things the right way.

What if you didn't have to start your business by knocking on doors… because those doors were already open?   In this episode of the Franchise Frontier Podcast, Dave Kimura sits down with Derek Witt, President of Strategic Partnerships at HorsePower Brands, to break down one of the most overlooked advantages in franchising—access. They unpack what strategic partnerships really are, why they create a massive competitive edge, and how franchisees can leverage relationships that would otherwise take years to build on their own. If you're exploring business ownership or looking for ways to grow faster and smarter, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the right partnerships can change everything.