Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Franchise expert James Hilovsky breaks down how to navigate the franchise buying process, debunk common myths, and find models that match your lifestyle, goals, and personality.
About James Hilovsky:
James is the founder of The FranDream, a franchise consultancy helping professionals and athletes find businesses that align with their personal and financial goals. With decades of experience in restaurants and franchise growth, James guides aspiring entrepreneurs from interest to ownership.
In this episode, Thomas and James discuss:
- What a Franchise Really Is
A franchise isn't just fast food—it’s a proven system with support, peers, and structure across industries from plumbing to fitness. - Franchise Fit: Personality + Lifestyle
Choosing a franchise should match your lifestyle, time availability, and personality. James shares stories of both NFL players and corporate couples navigating different paths. - How to Vet and Validate Franchises
James explains the step-by-step process: from franchise disclosure (FDD) to calls with other franchisees to understand risks, returns, and support systems. - Funding Your Franchise
From SBA loans to using your 401(k), James unpacks the most common ways people finance their franchise and what each path involves.
Key Takeaways:
- The System Works—If You Follow It
Most franchise failures come from not following the playbook or underestimating the work involved. - Support is a Game-Changer
Franchises offer ongoing training, peer advice, and help when problems arise—something you won’t get doing it solo. - You Can Negotiate
Territory size, payment timelines, and even royalties can sometimes be negotiated, especially for multi-unit deals. - Bet on Yourself
If you’ve spent your life making someone else rich, franchising might be your turn to build wealth on your own terms.
“You’ve made other people rich. Now it’s time to bet on yourself.”
— James Hilovsky
CONNECT WITH JAMES HILOVSKY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhilovsky/
Email: james@thefrandream.com
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
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