Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

Tariq Johnson from Zero to Profitable Franchise (and YouTube) reveals his strategies (profitable franchise secrets) on buying franchises and getting them profitable FAST, so you can experience the freedom and flexibility with owning a profitable franchise business! Get access to exclusive interviews with top performing Franchisees, accountants, and business experts so you can learn from their mistakes, and hear real life success stories so you can feel more confident in your franchise journey. Tariq signed onto his first franchise in 2015 after making a (scary) $300,000 investment. He got that location profitable in less than 60 days, and has since gone on to buy and sell numerous franchise locations. He intimately understands the fear, confusion, and overwhelm that comes with trying to make it as a full time entrepreneur. You’ll learn about FDD’s, franchisee validation calls, how to buy a franchise, the most profitable franchise industries, franc

Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Tariq Johnson & Franchise Empire, with 188 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Tariq Johnson & Franchise Empire hosts Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, a business show with 188 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

  Drop the Mop: There are 25+ Revenue Streams in the City Wide Facility Solutions Franchise

  Aug 18, 202638 min

  We appreciate it when we can work with business owners who have been building their franchise business with their family members. Today's podcast was started by Savannah Oddo's grandfather 60 (yes, sixty) years ago, and it still hasn't hit a ceiling on growth. Chantel sits down with Savannah, VP of Franchise Development at City Wide Facility Solutions, to unpack a B2B franchise model that is scalable and strong. City Wide isn't your typical cleaning crew business. Instead, it's a franchise based on one point of contact managing 20+ facility services for commercial properties. If you were hoping to pick up a mop or a rag, this franchise is not for you. Savannah explains how City Wide Facility Solutions, once a family janitorial company, transformed into a management business with 25+ revenue streams and exclusive territories so that franchisees collaborate instead of compete. So, put the mop down and listen up. ------------------ Considering Investing In A Franchise? Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=feaug112026 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Ready to Build Your Empire? Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=feaug112026 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Free Resources to Get You Started! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026 Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find, vet, and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=feaug112026 Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide: https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Week https://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=fe ------------------ 01:00 Welcome back / episode introduction 01:42 Introducing City Wide Facility Solutions and Savannah Oddo 02:27 How City Wide revolutionized commercial building maintenance 02:39 A 60-year family legacy 04:31 One-stop shop: managing 20+ facility services 09:06 Back-office support: accountant, call center, marketing team 09:38 (Sponsor message: 5 Low-Cost Franchises) 13:54 Cost to get started and the path to top quartile 14:55 Average unit volume and return on investment 16:25 Rather than dollars grown, to lives impacted 22:15 Why City Wide isn't a semi-absentee model 23:04 Competitive moat: same side of the table as the client 32:20 The due diligence process and finding the right fit 32:45 Support, playbook, tools, and comp plans 33:21 Exclusive territories and franchisee collaboration 35:14 Every building needs maintenance 35:47 20, 25, 30 franchise concepts in one My Most Popular Business Videos: https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUg https://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqs Legal stuff we have to say! The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured. Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #144

  You Don't Need to Be a Painter to Own a Fresh Coat Painting Franchise

  Aug 16, 202637 minS1

  Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026 How do painting and a boxing movie belong together in this podcast? Listen to learn how the strange combination works. In this episode, Chantel sits down with Chris Lucas, VP of Franchise Development at Fresh Coat Painters, to break down a business model that's disrupting a recession-resistant industry with a variety of revenue streams. It's a painting franchise that doesn't require its owners to ever touch a paint can. Chris explains why Fresh Coat isn't looking for painters. Instead, they're looking for leaders who can show up in their community while following a proven system backed by strong support. Chris also shares the cost of entry and investment details for Fresh Coat franchise ownership, and he gets personal about facing fear and jumping into business ownership, owning his inner Rocky Balboa along the way. ------------------ Considering Investing In A Franchise? Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=feaug112026 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Ready to Build Your Empire? Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=feaug112026 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Free Resources to Get You Started! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026 Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find, vet, and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=feaug112026 Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide: https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Week https://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=fe ------------------ 00:00 Introduction to Chris Lucas and his background 02:12 Chris's early entrepreneurial influences and family history 04:06 Transition from traditional jobs to franchising in home services 05:59 What drew Chris to Fresh Coat Painters and the industry 08:01 The importance of industry stability and growth opportunities 10:03 The diverse revenue streams in the painting franchise 11:47 The scalability of the business model and support systems 14:02 Cost of entry and investment details for franchisees 15:59 Support, training, and ongoing coaching for franchise owners 17:58 The impact of support and systems on franchise success 19:55 Top performer revenue and first quartile numbers 21:47 Recurring revenue through referrals and customer relationships 23:00 Backgrounds of Fresh Coat's top-performing owners 25:17 The #1 indicator of a top 10 performer: following the model 27:31 Franchisee feedback, national conference, and Sherwin Williams partnership 33:02 Facing fear and Chris's advice for aspiring owners My Most Popular Business Videos: https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUg https://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqs Legal stuff we have to say! The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured. Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #143

  How to succeed with a Cabinet IQ franchise

  Aug 11, 202621 minS1

  Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026 Cabinet IQ founder and CEO Michael Hartel breaks down what it actually takes to own one of the fastest-growing kitchen cabinet and countertop franchises in the country. He walks through the real numbers — the investment range, first-year revenue, and how new owners with no industry experience are opening strong by simply running the playbook. Michael explains why the showroom costs less to build than people fear, how franchisees beat shops that have been open 40 years, and the five core values he looks for in every candidate. If you're weighing which franchise to buy, this is a candid, numbers-first look at the model, the support, and the kind of person who thrives in it. ------------------ Considering Investing In A Franchise? Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=feaug112026 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Ready to Build Your Empire? Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=feaug112026 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Free Resources to Get You Started! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=feaug112026 Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug112026 Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=feaug112026 Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide: https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=feaug112026 ------------------ Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Week https://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=fe ------------------ 00:00 - Franchise Performance, FDD, and Investment Breakdown 05:51 - Customer Experience, Net Promoter Score, and Rapid Growth 07:53 - Ideal Candidate Profile, Business Model, and Networking 12:32 - Overcoming the Fear of Having No Industry Experience 13:51 - The Discovery Process for Prospective Franchisees 17:53 - Core Values and Culture of the Brand My Most Popular Business Videos: https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUg https://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqs Legal stuff we have to say! The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured. Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #142

  How do you find the right franchise?

  Aug 9, 202656 minS1

  Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe Is your dream franchise opportunity actually a nightmare in disguise? Too many entrepreneurs make emotional decisions based on "good vibes" instead of hard numbers, while forced expansions and unethical brokers trap others before they even open their doors. In this deep dive Chantel Soumis and Tariq Johnson, separate fact from feeling, exposing major industry red flags, and share the real growth lessons from legacy giants like Jersey Mike's. Plus, don't miss our rapid-fire "This or That" entrepreneurship breakdown! ------------------ Considering Investing In A Franchise? Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=fe Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=fe ------------------ Ready to Build Your Empire? Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=fe Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=fe ------------------ Free Resources to Get You Started! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=fe Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=fe Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=fe Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=fe Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide: https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=fe ------------------ Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Week https://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=fe ------------------ 00:00 - Podcast Intro and Mission 01:03 - Separating Fact from Feeling in Franchise Decisions 04:28 - Ownership Reality and Unlearning Bad Habits 06:46 - The Trick of Balancing Control vs. Delegation 10:56 - Growth Lessons: The Story of Jersey Mike's 12:56 - The Risks of Forced Franchise Expansion 20:20 - Exposing Red Flags and the Price of Unethical Brokering 22:34 - The Myth of Effortless Passive Income 24:55 - Building the Skills to Prepare for Long-Term Success 27:12 - Due Diligence and Assessing Candidate Intentions 31:12 - Lobbying and Navigating Franchise Regulation 33:45 - The Need for Professional Standards Among Franchise Brokers 39:07 - Rapid-Fire: This or That Entrepreneurship Insights 44:34 - The Tightrope of Celebrating Wins vs. Staying Hungry 48:40 - Facing the Truth and Managing the Emotional Roller Coaster 52:51 - Podcast Outro and Future Episode Wrap-Up My Most Popular Business Videos: https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUg https://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqs Legal stuff we have to say! The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured. Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #141

  CertaPro Painters Franchise: How This Owner Gets Leads Without Paid Ads

  Aug 4, 202620 minS1

  Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug42026 CertaPro Painters franchise owner Erik Harris sits down with Chantel Soumis to explain why he chose to buy into a franchise instead of going solo and why he'd never want to be "on an island by himself." He breaks down the real value of franchise support and training, and how it gave him a proven path to scale his territory. Erik also shares his #1 lead source (networking and realtor referrals over paid ads) and the exact system that earned his team 108 Google reviews in a single year. If you're weighing which franchise to buy, this is a real, behind-the-scenes look at what ownership actually takes. ------------------ Considering Investing In A Franchise? Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=feaug42026 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=feaug42026 ------------------ Ready to Build Your Empire? Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=feaug42026 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=feaug42026 ------------------ Free Resources to Get You Started! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=feaug42026 Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=feaug42026 Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feaug42026 Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=feaug42026 Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide: https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=feaug42026 ------------------ Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Week https://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=feaug42026 ------------------ 0:00 Learning to Delegate as an Owner 0:45 The Franchise Support & Training System 4:40 His #1 Lead Source: Networking, Not Paid Ads 7:55 The Realtor Referral Engine 11:00 What He Won't Spend On (+ the Personal Touch) 14:55 How He Gets 108 Google Reviews a Year My Most Popular Business Videos: https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUg https://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqs Legal stuff we have to say! The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured. Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.

  ListenShow Notes

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