Have you ever looked around and thought, “I can’t do this anymore?” That was the reality for our guest, Tonya Middleton, who faced underemployment, raising four kids, and feeling isolated in a new state. In this episode, Tonya shares her inspiring journey from feeling stuck to reigniting her purpose by buying her dream franchise, More Space Place of DFW.

Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they dive into Tonya’s story: navigating six months of red tape, learning CAD, driving a forklift, all while launching her new business in the middle of spring break with four kids at home. This episode isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about starting over, finding yourself, and inspiring your family along the way.

Discover the challenges Tonya faced, how she overcame the SBA loan process, and lessons learned about networking, self-promotion, and the power of asking questions. Hear how owning More Space Place has changed her life, brought her family closer, and why she believes there’s no “perfect time” to start a business.

If you’re considering entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, or simply looking for an authentic story of perseverance, hope, and transformation, this episode is for you.

Want to learn more about franchising or connect with us? Check the links in the description for resources and contact info!

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

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

In Episode 105 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, we sit down with Brigham Dallas, the owner and CEO of Hello Sugar, for a conversation packed with hustle, innovation, and an incredible story of growth. Discover how Brigham went from selling golf balls at age 7 to running the largest worm distribution business in America, and eventually building one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the nation.

Hear how Hello Sugar started in a humble 10x10 room behind a surgeon’s office and quickly evolved into a nationally recognized franchise with over 200 locations, and counting! Brigham shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what makes his franchise model unique, and why having corporate employees who are also franchisees creates a powerful, collaborative culture.

We also dive into the innovative approach Hello Sugar uses for launching new franchisees, the company’s receptionless technology powered by AI, and exciting new streams of revenue on the horizon. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for ideas, or just love a good origin story, this episode is full of actionable tips and inspiration.

Thinking of franchising, or want to learn more about Hello Sugar? Watch till the end for Brigham’s advice and ways to connect for opportunities.

Interested in learning more? Explore the links in the description to connect with Sara, Roxanne, and their franchising resources.

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

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

Welcome to Episode 104 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this episode, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Christian Buck (COO), Thomas Reinhard (CFO), and Cal Freatman (CEO), the founders behind Cascadia Pizza, a food truck turned franchise success story! Discover how Christian’s wedding pizza recipes, Tom’s business insight, and Cal’s entrepreneurial drive turned a tiny, 300-square-foot shop into a thriving, multi-location brand. Hear the inspiring origin story of Cascadia Pizza, learn about their unique pizza creations (think pear and apple on pizza!), and the radical support and real community that fuels their growth. Get insider tips on launching a food business, franchising in the restaurant industry, and how Cascadia Pizza built multiple revenue streams with food trucks, catering, and brick-and-mortar locations.

🔥 Highlights include:

-How food trucks kept their pizza business thriving during COVID

-The path to profitability for new franchisees

-Real talk on franchising, community impact, and legacy-building

-The story of a young employee who rose from washing dough pans to franchise owner

-What makes Cascadia Pizza a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs of any background

If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, franchising, or searching for the next great pizza franchise, this episode is for you!

👇 Interested in learning more? Visit cascadiapizzaco.com and explore the links in the description to connect with Sara, Roxanne, and their franchising resources.

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

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