Unpredicted Entrepreneur

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121

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Your go-to resource for education and insights on franchising and entrepreneurship. Join us as we share valuable advice and interview franchisees, franchisors, investors, and funding partners to uncover insider knowledge that can help YOU thrive as a franchisee. Whether you're exploring business ownership or looking to grow your franchise portfolio, you'll gain actionable tips and expert perspectives. We're honored to be chosen as one of the Top 20 Franchise podcasts. https://podcast.feedspot.com/franchise_podcasts/

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August 26, 2026Episode 12224 min

It's Never Too Late to Build the Life You Want

Welcome to Episode 122 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! Hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Mark Cunningham, a veteran business owner who left behind a 38-year insurance career to reinvent himself through franchising and entrepreneurship. Mark shares his inspiring journey, his experience with owning the top laundromat in Dallas/Fort Worth, and building a new legacy with Black Optix Tint. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Transitioning from a long-standing corporate career to entrepreneurship - Key lessons learned from owning a laundromat franchise - How to build a family legacy in business - Importance of company culture and leadership support - Tips for aspiring franchise owners and building confidence Contact Information and Free Resources: Connect with our hosts: Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/ Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Introduction: Redefining Success 00:00:32 Mark Cunningham’s New Chapter 00:01:14 Mark’s Background and Early Career 00:05:15 Transition to Entrepreneurship 00:06:21 Choosing and Building the Laundromat Franchise 00:08:26 Laundromat Success and Exit 00:10:03 Motivation for a New Venture at 71 00:12:04 Building a Family Legacy 00:13:24 Introduction to Black Optix Tint 00:15:29 Why Black Optix Tint? Culture and Opportunity 00:17:25 Passion, Purpose, and Impact 00:18:57 Family and Resilience in Business 00:19:54 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Franchisees 00:22:29 How to Connect With Mark & Black Optix Tint 00:23:31 Closing Remarks #entrepreneurship #franchising #careertransition #businessownership #franchisepodcast

July 8, 2026Episode 12125 min

How This Couple Left Corporate America to Build a Life They Love

Welcome to episode 121 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur. In this episode, you’ll learn how leaving corporate franchise leadership can lead to a successful entrepreneurial journey. Discover the realities of building your own business from the ground up. Craig and Kristen Jooste share the raw details behind their decision to quit their corporate roles. This conversation explores the actual risks, the long hours required, and the trade-offs they made to gain control over their professional lives. If you’re considering starting a business or currently feel stuck in a corporate environment, their story offers a realistic look at the transition. We discuss the specific challenges of business ownership and how the initial struggle paved the way for more autonomy. By examining their entrepreneurial journey, you will gain perspective on whether the path of an entrepreneurial life aligns with your own goals. Understanding the sacrifice needed to leave corporate franchise leadership is essential for anyone weighing a similar career pivot. Subscribe for weekly business strategy breakdowns and share in the comments: What is the biggest challenge holding you back from starting your own venture? Contact Information and Free Resources: Connect with our guests: Craig Jooste - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjooste/ Kristen Jooste - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-jooste-1a6bb939/ Follow: Genie Senior Services - https://www.linkedin.com/company/genie-senior-services-north-america/ Connect with our hosts: Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/ Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Introduction: Building a Life, Not Just a Business 00:01:02 Meet the Guests: Craig and Kristen Joost 00:01:56 Early Careers and Jumping into Entrepreneurship 00:03:19 Building and Franchising the Handyman Business 00:05:08 What is Genie Senior Services? 00:06:48 Lessons Learned from Franchise and Ownership 00:10:23 Expanding from Canada to the U.S. 00:13:07 Who Makes the Ideal Genie Franchisee? 00:16:19 Multi-Territory and Scaling Opportunities 00:19:35 Advice for Prospective Franchisees 00:23:24 Culture, Fit, and Contact Information 00:24:30 Closing Remarks and Thanks #entrepreneurship #businesspodcast #businessownership #franchiseconsulting #unpredictedentrepreneur

July 1, 2026Episode 12019 min

The Real Cost of a Bad Lease

Welcome to Episode 120 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur. In this episode, you’ll hear how our special guest, Joseph Gozlan, approached commercial real estate after leaving a career in software engineering. See the critical factors for business success. Joseph shares his experience moving from software engineering into the world of commercial real estate. If you’re considering a career change or looking to build a business outside of corporate America, this conversation highlights the practical realities of the transition. We focus on the foundational decisions that determine the long-term viability of new businesses. This session breaks down why location and financial planning are the most significant variables in commercial real estate. By analyzing these core elements, you’ll gain a clearer perspective on how to structure your own business success. We discuss the mindset shift required when moving away from a traditional role and how to evaluate risks effectively. Subscribe for weekly career and investment breakdowns, and comment on what industry you are considering moving into next. Contact Information and Free Resources: Connect with Joseph Gozlan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gozlan/ Eureka Business Group https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebgtx/ Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/ Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Location and Leases 00:00:13 Guest Introduction: Joseph Gosselin’s Background 00:01:06 Episode Welcome and Guest’s Full Title 00:02:16 Joseph Gosselin’s Journey: From Software Engineer to Real Estate 00:04:04 Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate 00:05:44 How a Commercial Broker Serves Business Owners 00:08:00 Handling Unrepresented Tenants 00:10:36 Lease vs. Buy: Which Path is Best? 00:13:53 Top Lease Mistakes and What to Watch Out For 00:17:10 Educating Yourself & Joseph’s Book 00:18:54 How to Contact Joseph Gosselin 00:19:21 Final Words of Wisdom and Episode Close #entrepreneurship #businesspodcast #businessownership #franchiseconsulting #unpredictedentrepreneur

June 10, 2026Episode 11924 min

From Living in a Shop to Franchise President

Entrepreneurship, franchising, and business growth - Welcome to Episode 119 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! Hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow sit down with special guest Andrew Edwards, proud president of Gorilla Property Services. Andrew Edwards shares his inspiring journey from driving 3,000 miles with little experience to building a top Canadian franchise brand. In this episode, you’ll hear about: - The bold leap Andrew Edwards took into entrepreneurship and franchising - The grit, resilience, and risk-taking behind launching a business with no roadmap - Building and scaling Gorilla Property Services into a rapidly growing franchise - The unique culture of support and collaboration within the franchise network - Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs about committing fully and jumping in Don’t miss this conversation about resilience, relationships, and what it really takes to become an "Unpredicted Entrepreneur." Subscribe for more insights and inspiration! Contact information & Free resources: Contact Andrew Edwards - andrew@gorillapservices.com Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/ Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Introduction: Diving Into Entrepreneurship 00:01:04 Meet Andrew Edwards 00:01:30 Andrew’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings 00:04:03 Entering Franchising & Early Struggles 00:06:14 Breaking Into the Restoration Market 00:08:52 Growing the Business & Successful Exit 00:09:59 Joining Gorilla Property Services 00:11:02 Transforming Culture & Systems 00:12:22 Scaling Across Canada & U.S. Expansion 00:13:01 Testing the Market & Service Overview 00:13:41 What Gorilla Property Services Does 00:17:09 Company Culture & Franchisee Support 00:20:26 Getting Started: How to Join 00:20:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 00:22:38 How to Contact Andrew 00:23:40 Closing Remarks #entrepreneurship #franchisesuccess #businesspodcast #businessownership #franchiseopportunities #franchising

May 27, 2026Episode 11725 min

Don’t Build a Business Alone

Welcome to episode 118 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! Discover how SCORE mentorship can empower small business owners and entrepreneurs as hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow sit down with Bill Little, chapter chair of SCORE Dallas. With over 25 years in senior leadership at major companies and firsthand experience running a small business, Bill Little shares insights on planning, process, and the real journey from idea to execution. In this episode, you'll hear about: - How SCORE connects entrepreneurs with expert mentors in every business area - Bill Little’s transition from corporate leadership to small business and mentorship - Real success stories from SCORE clients and the impact of mentorship - Free resources, business planning tools, and workshops available to entrepreneurs - Why process, flexibility, and community make all the difference for small business owners Ready for expert advice to turn your business idea into reality? Watch now and start building your path to success! Make sure to subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts YouTube channel to stay updated. Contact information and Free resources: Score Mentors (Dallas) - Free business planning tools, resources, and workshops: https://www.score.org/tx/dallas/ Additional business plan templates and grant resources: https://www.thefundingtrail.com/ Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:01:11 Meet Bill Little 00:02:07 Bill’s Background & Path to Mentorship 00:04:38 Bill’s Consulting Business 00:05:19 Types of SCORE Mentors 00:06:27 Unique Mentor Examples 00:09:39 What Does SCORE Cost? 00:11:02 When to Reach Out to SCORE 00:13:11 SCORE as Your Team & Support System 00:14:13 Success Stories from SCORE 00:15:40 SCORE’s Nationwide Network 00:17:19 Free Tools & Business Plan Resources 00:19:59 Bill's Top Tip for Entrepreneurs 00:22:21 Flexibility & Learning in Franchising 00:23:05 Franchisor Culture & Fit 00:24:26 How to Connect with SCORE 00:25:15 Closing Remarks

May 12, 2026Episode 11629 min

From Safe Career to Risky Move (Worth It?)

Welcome to Episode 117 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! Join hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow as they sit down with special guest Laura Bradburn, owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives South Orange County, and known as Laura the Lighting Lady. After nearly 30 years in corporate America, Laura reinvented her career, embracing entrepreneurship and creative freedom. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Transitioning from a long corporate career to business ownership - Leveraging diverse skills and experience in franchising - Building a service business as a woman in a male-dominated industry - Practical tips on hiring, managing employees, and family involvement in your business - Lessons in branding, standing out in your market, and creating client relationships Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts YouTube channel, and check out the links below for more resources on franchising and entrepreneurship! Contact Laura Bradburn at 949-523-3936. You can also view her work online at https://www.outdoorlights.com/oc . If she's in the field and unable to answer, an AI assistant named Sarah will take your information, and they will call you back within an hour. Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Chapters for this episode: 00:00:00 Laura's Unpredicted Career Pivot 00:01:55 From Landscape Architecture to Corporate America 00:03:18 The Impact of Covid and Revaluation 00:04:48 Translating Corporate Skills to Business Ownership 00:06:06 "Who Not How" and Playing to Strengths 00:08:11 Becoming "Laura the Lighting Lady" 00:09:49 First to Market: Building a Franchise in California 00:11:09 Branding, Differentiation, and Relationships 00:15:03 Running a Family Business with Her Husband 00:18:35 Hiring and Managing a Service-Based Team 00:21:26 Group Interviews and Finding the Right Fit 00:25:32 Advice for Women and Aspiring Entrepreneurs 00:28:19 How to Connect with Laura #unpredictedentrepreneur #podcast #womeninbusiness #franchiseownership #businessideas #careergrowth #careertransition

April 28, 2026Episode 11524 min

Think You Want Passive Income? Watch This First

Welcome to Episode 116 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this episode of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Ryan Junk, CEO of Beam Light Sauna and longtime leader in the health and wellness franchising space. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan Junk has been both a franchisor and franchisee, driving brand growth for companies like UFC Gym and CycleBar. In this episode, you’ll hear about: - The unique challenges and advantages of leadership as both a franchisor and franchisee - Realities of semi-passive franchise ownership and building strong operational teams - Transitioning from corporate leadership to franchise entrepreneurship - Strategies for incentivizing and managing operators and managers for growth - The value of franchisee to franchisee support and building the right company culture Tune in for actionable insights and hard-won wisdom on running a successful franchise business! Make sure to subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts YouTube channel to stay updated. 👇 For more information and resources, check out the links in the description below. Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw #franchising #entrepreneurship #passiveincome #businesstips #healthandwellness

April 15, 2026Episode 11430 min

One Man's Pet Peeve Resulted in a National Franchise Brand

Welcome to Episode 115 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this episode, we’re excited to have Jesse Coslov, founder and CEO of The Dog Stop, as our special guest. Join Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, franchising, and innovation in the booming pet care industry. In this episode, you'll hear about: - How Jesse Coslov built The Dog Stop from a passion for dog care Learn how frustration with juggling multiple dog services turned into a franchise success story. - The importance of site selection in launching a franchise Discover how Jesse Coslov's background in commercial real estate shaped the brand’s growth and success. - Proven marketing strategies for pet care businesses Hear about the mix of digital marketing, grassroots efforts, and word-of-mouth that fueled The Dog Stop’s customer base. - Strategic and sustainable franchise growth Understand why going slow and building a strong franchise foundation matters, featuring lessons from The Dog Stop’s controlled expansion. - Why choosing a franchise beats going it alone Get Jesse Coslov's advice on the pitfalls of DIY dog daycare and the real value franchising delivers in systems, support, and operations. Whether you’re a dog lover, an entrepreneur, or interested in the world of franchising, this episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories. Make sure to subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts YouTube channel to stay updated. 👇 For more information and resources, check out the links in the description below. Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting services at https://www.frannet.com/ #franchising #franchisebusiness #howtostartabusiness #franchiseopportunities #smallbusinessideas #unpredictedentrepreneur #podcast

March 31, 2026Episode 11331 min

You Don’t Have to Love the Industry

Welcome to episode 114 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur. Today, you'll be hearing about the inspiring story of Joe and Jennifer Worrel, co-owners of Recoat Revolution DFW. After a sudden job loss and a commitment not to uproot their family again, they reassessed their future and chose business ownership on their own terms. Hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske guide the conversation as the Worrels get real about: - Navigating unexpected change and embracing entrepreneurship - The realities of starting a franchise, including a slower ramp-up and real costs - Why service-based, sustainable businesses have a strong appeal - Lessons learned as early franchisees and building a brand from scratch - Staying authentic and building community credibility Get practical tips and honest insights into business transitions, franchise selection, and what it's really like to launch a local service business. Perfect for anyone considering the leap into entrepreneurship! Contact information and Free resources: Make sure to subscribe to the ⁨@yourlocalfranchiseexperts⁩ YouTube channel to stay updated. Connect with Joe Worrel https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-worrel-7985252a2/ Follow - ReCoat Revolution of North DFW https://www.linkedin.com/company/recoat-revolution-of-north-dfw/posts/?feedView=all Connect with Sara Waskow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne Rapske- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting services at https://www.frannet.com/ #entrepreneurship #businessownership #franchising #veteranentrepreneur #floorrestoration #unpredictedentrepreneur #businesspodcast

March 17, 2026Episode 11224 min

Thinking About Buying a Franchise? Watch This First

Welcome to Episode 113 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this episode, hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow sit down with special guest Shay Kleinschmidt, VP of Lending at FranFund. They dive into today’s lending environment, exploring real-world challenges like rising rates, tighter capital, and recent SBA shutdowns. Tune in to get the latest insights on: - What’s really happening in the lending landscape for business owners and franchisees - How early default rates and smarter underwriting are impacting loans - The importance of liquidity after closing and what that means for your funding strategy - Tips for navigating SBA rules, the franchise directory, and preparing your business for success Whether you’re considering franchising or already on your entrepreneurial path, this episode is packed with information to help you prepare and protect yourself in uncertain times. Subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts YouTube channel. Connect with Sara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ Would you like to learn more about our FREE Franchising Resources? Use this link to receive all of the information: https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw Discover more about our franchise consulting services at https://www.frannet.com/ #franchising #businesslending #entrepreneurship #sbaloans #businessfundingtips