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 competence

• How franchising offers support, community, and the opportunity for real impact

• Stephanie's insights on handling self-doubt, learning new skills, and overcoming mistakes as a first-time entrepreneur

• Whether 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 / sarawaskow
Connect with Roxanne / roxannerapske

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Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/

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 networks

• How to transition from an independent business to a franchise model

• What makes the ideal franchisee and why a servant’s heart is crucial in any franchise business

• The challenges and rewards of business ownership versus remaining an employee

Whether 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.

In this episode of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, Mike Bahun, founder of ‪Fundraising University
shares 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 coaching

• The 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 nationwide

• What 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 how

• Mike's mission helps close critical funding gaps for students

If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, franchising, or just want to do work that matters, you don't want to miss this episode.