0002 - Franchise Advice You Can’t Afford To Miss
Business Buying for Financial Independence
Release Date: 07/14/2025
Business Buying for Financial Independence
In this solo episode, Tim breaks down what buyers should focus on immediately after first learning about buying a business. From casually reviewing listings and building savings, to positioning yourself with brokers and professionals, Tim explains why early exposure and preparation matter far more than rushing into a deal. Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio...
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In this episode, Tim talks with Milan Nolen, an entrepreneur and business buyer who shares a transparent look at evaluating risk, recognizing red flags, and knowing when not to do a deal. Milan walks through her transition from employee to founder mindset, the early mistakes she made by moving too quickly, and the moments that forced her to slow down and reassess what she was really buying. She explains how ignoring basic math and operational realities nearly pulled her into a bad acquisition, why non-operating businesses carry hidden danger, and how learning to walk away became one of the...
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Return on investment (ROI) is often treated like a simple spreadsheet calculation — but in small business acquisitions, it’s much more than just a number. In this episode, Tim breaks down the real difference between ROI and cash-on-cash return, how leverage changes outcomes, and why focusing only on percentages can lead buyers to make bad decisions. Using practical examples, Tim explains how time, effort, risk, and financing all factor into evaluating whether a deal is actually worth pursuing. Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that...
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In this episode, Tim talks with Tiffany Kao, an entrepreneur and creator who shares a candid look at what it really takes to bet on yourself, and the mistakes that come with it. Tiffany opens up about quitting her job early in her journey, the pressure to “burn the boats,” and how that decision forced her to learn hard lessons about sustainability, timing, and resilience. She reflects on how her definition of success has evolved, why confidence without preparation can be dangerous, and how experience reshaped the way she approaches risk, growth, and long-term stability. Tim is an...
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In this episode, Tim breaks down a real-world post about a struggling food business where the seller is trying to recover build-out costs despite little to no profit and a long-term, expensive lease. Tim explains why this situation is a textbook example of the sunk cost fallacy, why buyers often confuse assets with value, and how leases, franchises, and zero cash flow can quietly turn a “deal” into a long-term financial burden. He also discusses the difference between running a healthy business and trying to turn around a failing one—and why most buyers underestimate that gap. Tim...
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In this episode, Tim talks with Mike Webster, an operator-turned-owner who spent years working inside a company before eventually buying it himself. Mike shares how his time as an employee shaped his understanding of the business, what he saw behind the scenes that made him consider ownership, and the complicated emotions that come with transitioning from worker to buyer. He also opens up about evaluating whether growth is worth the cost, dealing with burnout, and the mindset shift required to separate personal identity from the business you run. Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone...
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Ian Joseph is the owner and operator of Branch Hospitality Group, a hospitality venture that balances design, experience, and real business fundamentals. In this episode, he shares the journey of stepping into the hospitality industry, learning operations from scratch, and transforming an aging property into a destination that reflects both community and creativity. He talks about the realities of buying an existing motel and restaurant business, and the staffing challenges, margins, customer expectations that came with it. He also talks about the less glamorous side of what it takes to run a...
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In this episode, Tim talks with Anthony Atiase, husband, father, serial entrepreneur, and co-owner of a janitorial company in South Carolina. Anthony shares how his upbringing across Ethiopia and Ghana shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, why he and his wife pursued business ownership while keeping their day jobs, and how they bought and financed a recession-resistant cleaning company. He also opens up about the search process, negotiating with brokers and sellers, and how creative financing (including investors and seller financing) made the acquisition possible. Tim is an entrepreneur who...
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Merchant cash advances (MCAs) are marketed as a quick fix for business owners in need of fast funding — no credit checks, no waiting, and no collateral. But beneath the convenience lies a dangerous financial trap. These advances often come with sky-high effective interest rates and aggressive repayment schedules that can strangle your cash flow. In this episode, Tim breaks down exactly how these offers work, why they’re so tempting, and what smarter, safer alternatives exist for small business owners. Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the...
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In this episode, Tim talks with Ali Boolani, an entrepreneur and first-generation immigrant whose path from hustling floppy disks in middle school to buying a struggling campground is packed with lessons on persistence, failure, and reinvention. Ali shares how losing his first business forced him to rethink his approach, why listening to customers matters more than chasing the “next big idea,” and how he turned around a mismanaged campground by fixing pricing, modernizing bookings, and focusing on the customer experience. He also opens up about the abundance mindset that guides his...
info_outlineIn this episode, Tim interviews Jimmy Feeman, the entrepreneur who launched No Baked Cookie Dough at the age of 23 and turned it into a successful franchise. Jimmy shares his story of how he and his wife, Megan, started their business, navigated the challenges of franchising, and made key decisions that helped their brand grow. They dive deep into what it takes to franchise your own business and what you need to know before buying a franchise.
Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.
Tim’s passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.
Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.
[00:01 - 11:41] The Origins of No Baked Cookie Dough
Jimmy and Megan quit their jobs after 3 months to go full-time into the business.
Megan handled marketing while Jimmy focused on operations and product development.
They both sought freedom from the 9-to-5 grind, which drove them toward entrepreneurship.
Cash flow was key: They knew they could sustain their basic bills before fully jumping in.
Side hustles like Uber and DoorDash helped cover gaps while the business grew.
[11:42 - 21:56] Pivoting to E-Commerce and CPG
Early success led to multiple store openings, but some struggled..
The pandemic pushed them to shift to e-commerce and packaged goods..
CPG came with low margins, high competition, and complex distribution..
Managing relationships with distributors and retailers is crucial..
Selling CPG requires reaching millions, unlike higher-ticket products..
[21:57 - 33:05] Franchising: The Benefits and Challenges
Franchising seemed like the easy choice but brought unexpected challenges.
Selling to the wrong franchisees can hurt the brand.
Success in franchising requires strong systems and training, which take years to build.
Franchisees should get a good deal, with operationalized systems and support in place.
Systematizing processes helps scale a business, even without franchising..
[33:06 - 40:09] Choosing Between Buying a Franchise or a Mom-and-Pop Business
The decision depends on how much work you’re willing to put in.
Franchises provide systems and support, but with less flexibility.
Mom-and-pop businesses offer more creative control but require more personal effort.
Know yourself: Are you an “instruction manual” person or a system builder?
Owning a business is about balancing risk, freedom, and structure.
[40:10 - 56:43] Closing Segment
Aging owners create opportunities to buy businesses with growth potential.
Buying to franchise requires solid systems and support.
Build a strong foundation with sales data and training before franchising.
The real work is in supporting franchisees and maintaining consistency.
Franchising offers growth but requires ongoing operational oversight.
Guest Bio:
Jimmy Feeman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and an entrepreneur who launched No Baked at just 23 years old and turned it into a nationally recognized dessert brand. He’s run e-commerce, scoop shops, franchised the concept, and even explored the world of consumer packaged goods. Now, as he steps away from day-to-day operations, he’s helping others navigate franchising—from both sides of the deal.
Connect with Jimmy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfeeman/
https://nobakedcookiedough.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jamesfeeman/
https://www.threads.com/@jamesfeeman
If you found value in today’s show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.
Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:
Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney
Tweetable Quotes:
“When you hear a lot of those no's in the beginning, you have to have so much conviction about the thing that you're doing, that you're willing to do it.” - Jimmy Feeman
”What I warn people who would like to franchise their business is, it's definitely faster than organic growth if you find the right people. But it's definitely not a quick growth strategy because you'll end up, if they were to go out and aggressively franchise a brand, you will end up with a ton of franchisees who should not be there.” - Jimmy Feeman
“ Make sure you, without a doubt, feel like you can provide value in the three major ways of like, brand, products, systems, and then, yeah, it's a great growth strategy for any business, especially if it's customer-facing.” - Jimmy Feeman