Libsyn Directory

This Top Franchisee Built K9 Resorts’ Fastest-Growing Location | With Larkin Combs

Release Date: 12/24/2024

The Exit Playbook: How Top Franchisees Are Cashing Out for Millions

Franchise Secrets Podcast

What separates the average franchisee from the elite? In this solo episode, Erik Van Horn shares the exit playbook used by top-performing franchisees to scale, systemize, and cash out for millions. Discover how to go from franchise operator to investor, build a sellable franchise business, and protect your wealth with smart tax strategies and capital allocation. Learn the secrets behind: -Structuring a business for exit -Buying tired franchises and turning them around -Tax strategies every entrepreneur should know -Investor identity and risk mitigation -Avoiding the biggest...

The #1 Mistake That Destroys Emerging Franchise Brands (And Nobody Talks About It)

Franchise Secrets Podcast

In this episode, Erik is joined by Sherri Sieber, president of FranFund, to dive deep into the pitfalls and must-knows for emerging franchisors—and the critical importance of funding, accurate FDDs, and realistic projections. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🚩 Red flags when franchisees are only allowed to call 3 out of 20 franchisees. 💰 Why underfunded franchisees are a risk to your brand’s survival. 📊 The importance of Item 7 in the FDD—and how lowballing can backfire. 🧠 What lenders really look at when evaluating a franchise brand. 🧾 Item 20 explained: why losing franchise...

5 Myths Multi-Unit Franchisees Believe (That Kill Growth and Profit) With Derek Pipkorn

Franchise Secrets Podcast

Are you ready to turn your passion into a thriving franchise? In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn speaks with Derek Pipkorn, a multi-center owner of Mathnasium, a math-only learning center, about how to scale and manage a franchise successfully. Derek shares insights into the challenges and rewards of growing multiple franchise locations and how he’s used his experiences to build a scalable business model. He discusses how franchisees can overcome common pitfalls that stifle growth. He also reveals the importance of delegation, brand consistency, and balancing passion...

Franchising and Venture Capital: The Power Duo for Explosive Growth With Yoni Rechtman

Franchise Secrets Podcast

What’s the secret to scaling a franchise brand with venture capital? In today’s episode, Yoni Rechtman shares his insights into what makes franchising a powerful tool for growth and why it’s not just about finding the right product, but about creating systems that work. Yoni, a principal at Slow Ventures, joins Erik Van Horn to discuss the intersection of franchising and venture capital, explaining why the model is often misunderstood in the investment world. They dive into finding the right founder, the importance of scalable systems, and why franchisors must think beyond just opening...

Why Radical Transparency is Key to Growing Your Franchise Brand With Brigham Dallas

Franchise Secrets Podcast

Building a successful franchise isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating the right foundation for your franchisees to thrive. Discover the secrets behind scaling franchises from someone who’s been there and done that. In this episode, Brigham Dallas, a franchise industry expert and owner of Hello Sugar, returns to discuss what it truly takes to grow and sustain a franchise brand. Brigham and Erik discuss why early franchisee success is critical to your brand’s long-term success and how radical transparency can help avoid false expectations. They dive into the importance of hiring...

Built to Scale: How Great Franchisors Think Differently With Jeff Herr

Franchise Secrets Podcast

What makes a successful franchisor stand out from the rest? It's not just about expanding quickly—it’s about building a brand that can scale and stand the test of time. In this episode, Jeff Herr of Front Street Equity Partners returns to exchange views with Erik Van Horn. They discuss what sets great franchisors apart from the average ones, why strategic growth and brand consistency are crucial, how the most effective franchisors foster strong relationships with their franchisees, and the importance of establishing standards that can be consistently applied and scaled. Whether...

The Truth About Passive Income: It’s Not What You’ve Been Told With Russ Morgan

Franchise Secrets Podcast

If you think passive income means sitting back and letting the money roll in, think again! In this episode, we uncover the truth behind passive income and why it’s not as simple as it seems. Join Erik Van Horn as he talks to financial expert Russ Morgan about the realities of passive income. They delve into why most people’s expectations about passive income are misguided and discuss strategies to create genuine wealth without relying solely on traditional investment methods. Russ explains how to use tools like the Augusta Rule and shares insights from his experience helping clients build...

What They Don’t Teach You at Wharton About Building Franchises With Adam Ross

Franchise Secrets Podcast

What they don’t teach you at Wharton could be the key to building the next big beauty brand. In today’s episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes Adam Ross, former CEO of Heyday and current partner at Front Street Equity Partners. Adam shares invaluable insights from his journey, transitioning from banking to entrepreneurship, leveraging his MBA from Wharton, and scaling Heyday into a beauty powerhouse. He dives into why beauty is still one of the biggest white spaces in the US and why brands like goGLOW might be the next success story. Adam discusses building brand leaders, trust between...

Franchising Is Broken Without Recurring Revenue (And Most Brands Overlook It) With Stu McLaren

Franchise Secrets Podcast

What if your franchise could generate predictable profits every month without the constant hustle? In this episode, Stu McLaren, an expert on memberships and recurring revenue, reveals the missing link that most franchises overlook. Stu and Erik dive deep into the world of memberships and how they can transform any franchise system. Whether you're a franchisor or a franchisee, understanding the importance of predictable profits and creating a community can unlock massive growth potential. Stu shares key insights on building effective membership models that generate consistent income and...

Buy a Business, Not a Job – The Franchisee Wake-Up Call

Franchise Secrets Podcast

Are you buying a franchise to own a business, or are you just getting another job? In this episode, Erik Van Horn and Jeff Herr challenge potential franchisees to think beyond just becoming employees in their own business. He explores the key difference between buying a business and merely buying a job and why it’s crucial to understand this distinction. Erik shares practical advice for future franchise owners, emphasizing the importance of building effective systems, understanding territory management, and having the right leadership in place. If you’re planning to buy a franchise,...

More Episodes

How does a former police officer and nurse become one of the top-performing franchisees in the luxury pet boarding industry? In this episode, Larkin, a franchise owner with K9 Resorts, shares his incredible journey from public service to running a thriving dog boarding and daycare business. Discover how his people skills, gained from years on the force, translated into exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

Larkin owns K9 Resorts in Apex, NC and has another location in development in the state. After serving as a police officer for 25 years and working as a nurse, Larkin took his passion for community service and became a successful first-time entrepreneur. His K9 Resorts location opened in 2019, and he’s grown to be the highest-growing franchise location in the system.

Larkin reveals why believing in the brand, trusting the process, and committing to hard work during those crucial first years make all the difference. He also shares how resilience through challenges like the pandemic helped him build a business that runs smoothly even when he steps away.

If you're considering franchising, Larkin’s candid insights on due diligence, mindset, and staying focused will inspire and guide you.

Tune in to hear how passion, persistence, and trust in the system can create franchise success!

“If you believe in the brand, if you believe in what you're doing and the product, then you're going to follow those rules to the T. And doing so gives you more chance of success than failure because it's a proven brand with a proven track record of success." ~ Larkin Combs

In This Episode:

- Larkin’s path: from police officer to top franchisee

- Using law enforcement skills to deliver excellent customer service

- Why K9 Resorts stand out in luxury pet care

- Why Larkin chose K9 Resorts over other franchises

- The power of believing in the brand and following the system

- Franchisee collaboration: sharing solutions and best practices

- Larkin’s hands-on approach to daily operations

- Overcoming early challenges, including the pandemic

- Do your homework before buying a franchise

Resources:

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070