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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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