What's Your Next?

What's Your Next?

Providing great information to help aspiring Entrepreneurs transition out of their current business or corporate job into another business or franchise.

Episodes

January 12, 2026 19 mins

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major player in nearly every industry, and franchising is no exception. 🌍 Entrepreneurs exploring business ownership are increasingly turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini for insights. 

1. How AI Is Changing Franchise Research

AI systems can rapidly analyze massive datasets, generate business recommendations, and simulate candidate evaluations. These tools can:

  • 🧭 Suggest indus...
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One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring franchise owners is: “Do I need experience in the industry to own a franchise?” The short answer, as explained by our hosts, is no. In fact, prior experience can sometimes work against you. 

The Myth of Industry Experience

Many people assume that success in franchising depends on technical expertise or years of experience in a specific field. However, franchising is designed to o...

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🏢 The Franchise Dream and Its Hidden Complexity
Owning a franchise is often viewed as the perfect balance between entrepreneurship and support. It offers a proven system, brand recognition, and the potential for financial independence. However, behind every dream of business ownership lies a dense web of legal obligations.

⚖️ The Role of a Franchise Attorney
A franchise attorney serves as both a translator and pr...

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In the episode, our hosts discuss the mindset and motivations behind entrepreneurship, particularly through franchising. The conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone considering leaving the corporate world to pursue business ownership.

1. 😨 The Fear Factor: Why People Hesitate to Start a Business
One of the central themes discussed is fear — the number one obstacle preventing people from exploring entrepreneurs...

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In the world of entrepreneurship, mistakes are inevitable. What separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest is not the absence of mistakes but their ability to learn, adapt, and transform setbacks into stepping stones.

1. Mistakes as Foundations for Growth 🌱
Dave Kohl, a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, describes mistakes as the essential “war stories” of business. Each failure, he explains,...

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Starting a franchise is one of the most practical ways to enter entrepreneurship without reinventing the wheel. However, one of the most common questions prospective franchisees ask is: "How much money do I need to start a franchise?" The answer is nuanced, as franchise investments vary widely depending on the type, brand, and structure of the business.

In this article, we’ll explore franchise investment levels, ...

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Franchising can be one of the most accessible ways to start your own business without building everything from scratch. But many aspiring entrepreneurs wonder, “Am I the right type of person to own a franchise?” In this article, inspired by insights from our hosts at Next Level Franchise Group, we’ll explore how to determine if you’re truly franchise-ready.

💡 Understanding the Franchise Model
A franchise allows you to...

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Franchising is a powerful way to build wealth and achieve financial freedom, but one of the most misunderstood aspects of the business is the concept of territory. This review provides valuable insights into how franchise territories work, the difference between protected and open territories, and how to make smart decisions when investing in them.

🗺️ What Is a Franchise Territory?
A franchise territory refers to the ...

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In today’s world of entrepreneurship, success is no longer measured by profits alone 💰. It’s about purpose—making a difference while building a sustainable business. This concept defines social impact franchising, where passion, purpose, and profit work hand in hand 🤝.

What Is Social Impact Franchising?
Social impact franchising combines the proven systems of franchising with a strong community mission. Businesses in...

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🌟 The journey of Jade Winter, founder of Studio Pilates, is a powerful case study in entrepreneurial resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven business. From taking a 💳 $10,000 credit card advance to founding a global franchise with over 120 locations, Jade’s story embodies the fusion of athletic discipline and business acumen. His transition from Olympic swimmer to global franchisor offers insights valuable to entrepreneurs acr...

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DOWNLOAD Lifestyle Assessment: https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/files/5_Minute_Lifestyle_Clarity_Worksheet.pdf

🌍 The Changing Landscape of Work

In recent years, professionals across industries have begun asking a profound question: “What’s next for me?” This shift stems from growing dissatisfaction in the traditional workforce. According to recent surveys, 50% of U.S. employees are considering a career cha...

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In today’s rapidly changing world, career stability has become less about holding one job for life and more about adaptability, lifelong learning, and reinvention. This podcast episode explores how professionals can find their next meaningful chapter in life through introspection, strategy, and networking.

💡 The Need for Reinvention
The modern workplace is shifting dramatically. Automation, artificial intelligence, an...

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In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, franchises have long provided individuals a path to business ownership with established systems and brand recognition. 

💼 What is a Lean Franchise?

A lean franchise is a low-cost, mobile, and flexible business model that allows owners to operate efficiently without the burden of heavy startup investments or long setup periods. These franchises typically require under $150,000 in initial inve...

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When people think of exciting franchise opportunities, flooring is rarely the first idea that comes to mind. However, as revealed in the discussion between our hosts, Floor Coverings International shows how a seemingly “boring” industry can actually provide one of the most lucrative business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. 🏠

Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think

Flooring might sound dull, but it touches every aspect of ...

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Franchising offers aspiring entrepreneurs an established business model, but deciding whether to own a single unit or multiple units can greatly influence long-term success. This episode examines why many individuals opt for single-unit ownership and instead choose to dive directly into multi-unit franchising. 🚀

Escaping Corporate America
Many professionals turn to franchising after experiencing layoffs, burnout, or m...

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Franchising is often associated with fast food giants like 🍔 McDonald’s, Subway, and Dunkin’ Donuts. While these brands are familiar, recognizable, and often the first that come to mind, they are not always the best choice for aspiring entrepreneurs. In fact, we try to explain, the right franchise for you may be one you’ve never even heard of.

The Misconception of Big-Name Franchises 🚫
Big-name franchises attract att...

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As many individuals enter the "empty nest" phase of life, a natural question arises: what's next? 🧐 For parents who have spent decades raising children and managing family responsibilities, this stage presents a unique opportunity to redefine purpose and direction. One increasingly popular path is franchising.

🌟 Why Franchising Appeals to Empty Nesters

Franchising offers a structured way to own a business without sta...

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In today's evolving professional landscape, many individuals are questioning the traditional 9-to-5 corporate grind. The desire to find meaning in work—beyond the stability of a paycheck—is driving a major shift from employment to entrepreneurship

🔥 The Corporate Burnout Epidemic

Professionals across industries report feeling overworked, underappreciated, and stuck. Layoffs have led to leaner teams, where remaining employees ...

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In today's evolving business landscape, aspiring entrepreneurs seek ventures that offer resilience, scalability, and meaningful impact. Sir Grout, as presented, stands out as a franchise opportunity that fulfills these aspirations. This article 🔍 delves into the franchise's business model, benefits, and potential for success.

Understanding the Sir Grout Business Model 📚
Sir Grout specializes in restoring an...

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What happens when a billion-dollar chemical industry exec trades his corner office for a tool belt? 🧰 You get Chris Toomey’s inspiring story—a journey from global leadership to local impact as a multi-unit ACE Handyman franchise owner.

🚪 Closing the Corporate Chapter
Chris spent over 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, ultimately running a $1.5 billion operating division in the chemical industry. But when his com...

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