Unpredicted Entrepreneur

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   / sarawaskow  Connect with Roxanne   / 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/

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.

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.

Welcome to Episode 109 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur. Today's episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial reinvention! Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they welcome Mike Pearce, founder and Chief Development Officer of Renew Medic, to explore how decades of franchise experience, and a "retirement" that didn't stick, sparked an industry-changing venture. Mike grew up in franchising, inspired by watching his dad buy his first Pizza Hut in 1967. After holding leadership roles at Domino’s, ServiceMaster, and Authority Brands, Mike thought he’d hung up his entrepreneurial hat. But when the chance came to transform how disaster restoration is done, he couldn’t stay away.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Renew Medic took root from the existing Furniture Medic brand and why the old model needed a rebootWhat makes Renew Medic’s cabinet restoration model so unique (think: fast turnarounds, cost savings, and families staying in their homes instead of moving out during repairs)The importance of insurance company partnerships and what it means for franchiseesWho makes the ideal Renew Medic franchise owner, and what success looks like in this businessMike’s expert advice for anyone curious about franchising: what questions to ask, what to watch out for, and how to spot a winning team and cultureWhether you’re a franchise veteran, restoration pro, or just love stories of business transformation, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

Discover how Dan Frey turned a career setback into the national franchise The Glass Guru! Learn about entrepreneurship, franchising, and innovation in home improvement in this inspiring episode.In Episode 108 of the Unpredicted Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Dan Frey, founder and president of The Glass Guru. Hear Dan's incredible journey from losing his job during his honeymoon to launching a cutting-edge business restoring foggy windows, saving homeowners money and creating a unique franchise opportunity.You'll get insight into:The founding story behind The Glass GuruTaking a garage startup to a booming national brandValuable tips on franchising and entrepreneurshipHow innovation and resilience can turn setbacks into opportunityThe power of business systems and bringing professional skills to the tradesThinking about buying a franchise or starting your business? Dan Frey offers tips for aspiring owners and shares why The Glass Guru is ideal even for those WITHOUT glass or home improvement backgrounds.