Taking a Holiday Break 🎄

I'm stepping away from The Franchise Champion Show for the next couple weeks to spend the holidays in Japan with my family. Looking forward to the adventure - I'll share some stories when I get back!

This is one of those moments that reminds me why business ownership matters. I can take two weeks off because I want to - no approval needed, no permission required. That autonomy to design your life around what matters most? That's the whole point.

To everyone in our community: I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Spend quality time with the people you love. That's what really counts.

I'll be back in January with fresh content to help you on your franchising journey - new guest interviews, workshops, and insights to help you become a franchise champion.

Thanks for being part of this community. See you in 2026! 🚀

Are you debating buying a franchise vs an existing business? Most investors assume acquiring an established company is the safer bet, but in this workshop, I reveal the hidden risks of acquisition and help you decide which path is actually safer for your capital.

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

🎙️ Episode 18 - In this workshop episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan breaks down the critical differences between buying an existing business versus investing in a franchise. Drawing from his 14 years as a top-performing franchisee and his experience helping clients navigate both paths, Alan exposes the hidden pitfalls of business acquisition that cause most deals to fall apart during due diligence.

Learn why "you don't know what you don't know" is the biggest danger in buying an existing business, how seller discretionary earnings (SDE) determines business valuation, what actually happens during the 4-12+ month acquisition process and why most deals collapse, the critical questions to ask during franchise validation calls with existing owners, and why franchise coaching costs you nothing (and how the compensation model actually works).

Whether you're a corporate professional exploring your exit strategy or an entrepreneur weighing your options, this workshop delivers the framework you need to make an informed decision about your next business move.

⏱️ Video Chapters
0:00 - The Isolation Trap: Why "Going Solo" Backfires
0:46 - From Corporate Exit to $4M Semi-Absentee Empire
3:25 - What $900K Actually Buys You (It's Not Just Revenue)
5:15 - The SDE Formula: How Investors Value Any Business
7:40 - The 4-12 Month Timeline Where Most Deals Die
10:30 - Red Flags That Destroy Deals During Due Diligence
16:45 - The Franchise Model: Buying Proven Systems Instead of Risk
22:15 - Inside the FDD: 23 Items That Protect Your Capital
28:20 - Validation Calls: How to Extract Real Numbers from Owners
33:50 - Why Elite Franchise Coaches Work for Free
36:15 - The Full Due Diligence Roadmap (Without Getting Burned)
38:24 - Decision Framework: Which Path Protects Your Investment?

🔗 Resources & Mentions
▸ Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
▸ Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
▸ Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
▸ Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
▸ Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
▸ Website: https://athletetoowner.com
▸ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
▸ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
▸ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
▸ Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #businessacquisition #duediligence #existingbusiness #FDD #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner #entrepreneurshipthroughacquisition #ETA

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready 🎙️ Episode 17 - In this episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan interviews Jennifer and Gordon Raney, a husband-and-wife franchise power couple who went from corporate careers to building a multi-million dollar, multi-state mobility franchise empire before exiting and co-founding their own franchise brand, Liftology. The Raneys share how a family health crisis opened their eyes to the mobility equipment industry, leading them to grow so fast they broke their lease within the first month. Jennifer reveals why she quit her corporate job just 60 days into the business, and Gordon explains the unique timing that led them to this industry at the front end of the baby boomer age wave. They discuss the realities of franchise ownership, why they chose to become franchisors after their exit, what makes Liftology different, and the 25-year runway of opportunity still ahead in the mobility industry. This episode is packed with insights on customer service, scaling multi-state operations, building team culture, and what it really takes to succeed as a franchise owner. 🔗 Resources & Mentions • Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com • Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready • Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook • Jennifer & Gordon Raney - Liftology Co-Founders • Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform • Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support! Connect on Social Media: • Website: https://athletetoowner.com • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/ • Email: alan@athletetoowner.com ⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership. #franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #liftology #mobilityequipment #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

🎙️ Episode 16 - In this episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan interviews Joe Steffens of Renew Medic, who has built multiple multi-million dollar franchise businesses over the past two decades. Joe shares his incredible journey from a $300,000 insurance claim that nearly ended his business career to building a $6.2 million operation. He opens up about his decision to bring his 17-year-old son into the business as a partner (not an employee), how they grew from $800K to $6.2M in just a few years, and the unique dynamics of working with family. Joe discusses his transition from Service Master (winning Franchise of the Year twice) to Furniture Medic and eventually Renew Medic, why he chose franchising over going independent, the math behind choosing higher-margin businesses, and his philosophy that business ownership requires competitive drive and customer obsession—not just dreams of buying boats and taking vacations.

🔗 Resources & Mentions
• Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
• Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
• Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
• Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
• Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
• Website: https://athletetoowner.com
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
• Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #renewmedic #familybusiness #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

📹 From Corporate to Owner Workshop Series - Part 1 - In this interactive workshop, Alan Regala explores four career paths available to high-achieving professionals: advancing in corporate, buying an existing business, starting an independent business, or buying a franchise. Through real-world examples from his journey (Stanford engineer → failed startup → multi-million dollar franchise owner), Alan provides honest comparisons of income potential, time commitment, and risk for each path. The workshop includes interactive self-assessment exercises to help attendees identify which path aligns with their goals for wealth, autonomy, and purpose. This is an abbreviated recording from the live workshop held at TCSP Tennis Center.

🔗 Resources & Mentions
• Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
• Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
• Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
• Workshop 2 Registration: https://www.athletetoowner.com/from-corporate-to-owner-workshop-series
• Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
• Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you enjoyed the workshop—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
• Website: https://athletetoowner.com
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
• Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

Workshop Highlights:
The Four Career Paths:
• Advancing in Corporate - Pros, cons, and income ceiling realities
• Buying an Existing Business - Independent vs. franchise options
• Starting an Independent Business - Why 80% fail and what it takes
• Buying a Franchise - Proven systems, support, and scalability

Key Topics Covered:
• Financial goals: Cash flow, asset creation, tax benefits
• Lifestyle goals: Autonomy, near-term time, long-term time
• Investment requirements for each path
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Support systems available

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #careertransition #AthleteToOwner

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

🎙️ Episode 14 - In this episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan addresses a critical question many franchise buyers face: What do you do when your franchisor's systems and processes are incomplete? Drawing from a real coaching client conversation, Alan explores the key differences between emerging and established franchise brands, and why some systems have gaps that franchisees need to fill. He shares the two essential HiPer8™ mindsets for handling incomplete processes—Accountability and Creative Problem Solving—and provides a practical example of solving a cash flow challenge in the home improvement space. Alan emphasizes the importance of building relationships with other franchise owners, taking ownership of your success, and understanding whether an emerging or established franchise is the right fit for your personality and goals.

🔧 Resources & Mentions
• Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
• Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
• Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
• Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
• Leave us a ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
• Website: https://athletetoowner.com
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
• Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner #HiPer8

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

🎙️ Episode 13 - In this episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan interviews Josh York, founder and CEO of GymGuyz, the world's largest in-home personal training franchise. Josh shares his incredible journey from making $150K as a personal trainer at age 17 to building a global franchise empire spanning seven countries and 32 states. He opens up about his unmatched energy and discipline, why he's "one of one," and his philosophy that "pain is part of the process." Josh discusses why semi-absentee franchising doesn't work, the importance of calculated discipline (calling himself "a sniper's best friend"), his approach to building franchise culture through community and leadership, why most people are "soft like marshmallows and fold like cheap chairs," and how GymGuyz is transforming lives from children with disabilities to 104-year-old clients who can plank for a minute.

🔗 Resources & Mentions
Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
Josh York - GymGuyz Founder & CEO- https://gymguyz.com
Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
Website: https://athletetoowner.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessownership #franchising #gymguyz #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner

⭐ INTERESTED IN FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Schedule a call with Alan today at https://athletetoowner.com/ready

🎙️ Episode 12 - In this episode of The Franchise Champion Show, Alan interviews Drew Chrisman, former Ohio State football star and Cincinnati Bengals punter who transformed into a successful franchise owner. Drew shares his incredible journey from being cut double-digit times in the NFL to building Pink Zebra Moving of Greater Cincinnati into a $2M+ business in just 14 months. He opens up about the instability of NFL life, the grit required to keep pushing forward after repeated rejections, and how his entrepreneurial father shaped his business mindset from a young age. Drew discusses Pink Zebra's unique "making moving fun" philosophy (inspired by the Savannah Bananas model), their remarkable growth from 2 trucks to 8 trucks, his approach to building a strong company culture, the importance of franchising support versus going independent, and how the lessons learned from football's constant rejection prepared him for entrepreneurial success.

🔗 Resources & Mentions
Athlete to Owner Franchise Coaching: https://athletetoowner.com
Schedule a free consultation: https://athletetoowner.com/ready
Download "The Franchise Fit Playbook" for free: https://athletetoowner.com/playbook
Drew Chrisman - Pink Zebra Moving, Greater Cincinnati
Pink Zebra Moving website: https://pinkzebramoving.com/hamilton/
Subscribe to The Franchise Champion Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform
Leave us a ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ review if you enjoyed the episode—we appreciate your support!

Connect on Social Media:
Website: https://athletetoowner.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alanregala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleteToOwner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteowner/
Email: alan@athletetoowner.com

⭐ READY TO EXPLORE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP? Alan helps successful professionals find the perfect franchise match and prepare for championship-level success. As a franchise coach, he works one-on-one with qualified candidates to navigate the entire franchise selection process—completely free of charge. Visit https://athletetoowner.com to get started on your path to greater autonomy, wealth, and purpose through business ownership.

#franchise #entrepreneur #businessowner #franchising #pinkzebramoving #TheFranchiseChampionShow #AthleteToOwner