Unpredicted Entrepreneur

Hosted by RNCN

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118

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Jun 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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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 inDon’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.comConnect 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 Entrepreneurship00:01:04 Meet Andrew Edwards00:01:30 Andrew’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings00:04:03 Entering Franchising & Early Struggles00:06:14 Breaking Into the Restoration Market00:08:52 Growing the Business & Successful Exit00:09:59 Joining Gorilla Property Services00:11:02 Transforming Culture & Systems00:12:22 Scaling Across Canada & U.S. Expansion00:13:01 Testing the Market & Service Overview00:13:41 What Gorilla Property Services Does00:17:09 Company Culture & Franchisee Support00:20:26 Getting Started: How to Join00:20:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs00:22:38 How to Contact Andrew00:23:40 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 ownersReady 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 & Welcome00:01:11 Meet Bill Little00:02:07 Bill’s Background & Path to Mentorship00:04:38 Bill’s Consulting Business00:05:19 Types of SCORE Mentors00:06:27 Unique Mentor Examples00:09:39 What Does SCORE Cost?00:11:02 When to Reach Out to SCORE00:13:11 SCORE as Your Team & Support System00:14:13 Success Stories from SCORE00:15:40 SCORE’s Nationwide Network00:17:19 Free Tools & Business Plan Resources00:19:59 Bill's Top Tip for Entrepreneurs00:22:21 Flexibility & Learning in Franchising00:23:05 Franchisor Culture & Fit00:24:26 How to Connect with SCORE00:25:15 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 relationshipsDon’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/FrannetdfwChapters for this episode:00:00:00 Laura's Unpredicted Career Pivot00:01:55 From Landscape Architecture to Corporate America00:03:18 The Impact of Covid and Revaluation00:04:48 Translating Corporate Skills to Business Ownership00:06:06 "Who Not How" and Playing to Strengths00:08:11 Becoming "Laura the Lighting Lady"00:09:49 First to Market: Building a Franchise in California00:11:09 Branding, Differentiation, and Relationships00:15:03 Running a Family Business with Her Husband00:18:35 Hiring and Managing a Service-Based Team00:21:26 Group Interviews and Finding the Right Fit00:25:32 Advice for Women and Aspiring Entrepreneurs00:28:19 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 cultureTune 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 careLearn how frustration with juggling multiple dog services turned into a franchise success story.- The importance of site selection in launching a franchiseDiscover how Jesse Coslov's background in commercial real estate shaped the brand’s growth and success.- Proven marketing strategies for pet care businessesHear about the mix of digital marketing, grassroots efforts, and word-of-mouth that fueled The Dog Stop’s customer base.- Strategic and sustainable franchise growthUnderstand 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 aloneGet 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 credibilityGet 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=allConnect 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 successWhether 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

February 24, 2026Episode 11125 min

Using Transferable Skills to Build a Business That Matters

Welcome to Episode 112 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! If you're looking to be inspired by real stories of business ownership and franchising, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske welcome Stephanie Valadez, Owner and Senior Care Advisor of Assisted Living Locators in Flower Mound and Denton County.Stephanie shares her journey from an HR professional with a passion for purpose to becoming a mission-driven franchise owner in senior care. She opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of corporate life, the emotional and financial decisions behind entrepreneurship, and how she navigated the franchise due diligence process.Tune in to hear:What it really takes to build a business where compassion matters as much as competenceHow franchising offers support, community, and the opportunity for real impactStephanie's insights on handling self-doubt, learning new skills, and overcoming mistakes as a first-time entrepreneurWhether you're interested in franchising, business ownership, or making a difference, this episode has practical advice and inspiration for anyone exploring a new path.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ‪@yourlocalfranchiseexperts‬ YouTube channel for more real stories and expert advice on franchising, business ownership, and entrepreneurship!Interested in connecting or learning more about franchising?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/#SeniorCare #Entrepreneurship #Franchising #BusinessOwnership #PersonalGrowth #UnpredictedEntrepreneur #BusinessPodcast

February 10, 2026Episode 11025 min

Culture Over Credentials: The True North Restoration Story

Ready to learn what truly sets successful franchises apart? In episode 111 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow sit down with brothers Justin Donat and Raymond Donat, the founders of True North Restoration, to discuss the real keys to thriving in business ownership and franchising.Discover why building a business on strong values and company culture is more important than flashy resumes or industry experience. From their beginnings in carpet cleaning to growing a successful restoration franchise, Justin Donat and Raymond Donat reveal how leadership, servant mentality, and collaboration have shaped their journey.You'll hear about:The benefits of franchising for entrepreneurs, including brand recognition, market resilience, and support networksHow to transition from an independent business to a franchise modelWhat makes the ideal franchisee and why a servant’s heart is crucial in any franchise businessThe challenges and rewards of business ownership versus remaining an employeeWhether you're considering buying a franchise, starting your own business, or just want expert franchising tips, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ⁨@yourlocalfranchiseexperts⁩ channel for more real stories and expert advice on franchising, business ownership, and entrepreneurship!Interested in connecting or learning more about franchising?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 #businessownership #entrepreneurship #startabusiness #franchisetips #leadership #businesssuccess #podcast #unpredictedentrepreneur

January 27, 2026Episode 10926 min

From Foster Care to Founder: Building a Business That Gives Back

In this episode of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, Mike Bahun, founder of ‪Fundraising Universityshares his journey and how he's changing school fundraising. Discover innovative fundraising strategies and practical fundraising tips to help schools with raising money more effectively. This video emphasizes creating a more meaningful approach to school fundraiser efforts.You’ll hear about:How Mike Bahun went from foster care and inner-city challenges to finding purpose through sports and coachingThe innovative way Fundraising University is changing school fundraising, no more door-to-door sales or candy bars!The transition from running an independent business to creating a fast-growing franchise, and what it took to scale nationwideWhat makes a great Fundraising University owner, with insights on mindset, overcoming common misconceptions, and finding your “why”Why modern school fundraising is essential, even in affluent districts and howMike's mission helps close critical funding gaps for studentsIf you’re curious about entrepreneurship, franchising, or just want to do work that matters, you don't want to miss this episode.-----------------------------Subscribe to the @yourlocalfranchiseexperts channel here on YouTube. 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/