Preston Unck is the founder and CEO of Tee Box, one of the fastest growing golf simulator franchise concepts in the country. What started as a single facility he built for his own family during COVID has grown into a 100+ location franchise backed by a direct data partnership with Trackman, $8 million raised to date, and a new $15 million funding round on the way.In this episode, Preston shares how a neighbor's invite to golf during the pandemic turned into a full blown business. He talks about combining gym training, Trackman simulators, and putting greens into one player development concept, how Trackman approached him about franchising after watching what he built, and why he was intentional about hiring franchise experts instead of trying to figure it out alone.We also get into the discipline it takes to scale responsibly, the biggest misconceptions people have about franchising, what his day to day actually looks like as CEO now versus when he was mopping floors himself, and how Tee Box is using AI and player data to change how golfers train both indoors and out.If you're thinking about franchise ownership or just want to hear how a first time golfer built one of the hottest concepts in the space, this one is worth the watch.Connect with Tee Box: https://tbx.golfFree Training for Future OwnersWatch our quick 20-minute webinar: “10,000 Locations and Counting: The Franchise Buyer’s Blueprint.” Learn how we de-risk buying a business and help you find a brand you’ll love. (It’s 100% free.)https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhR

n this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen talk with franchise owner Doug Anthony about building wealth through franchising.

Doug shares how he went from starting a business on his own to owning multiple franchise businesses, including a staffing franchise and a roofing company. He breaks down why franchising helped him grow faster, how he approached financing, what it takes to build a strong team, and how he created a more semi-absentee ownership model.

This episode is a real-world look at franchise ownership, business growth, leadership, and using entrepreneurship as a path to long-term wealth.

Free Training for Future OwnersWatch our quick 20-minute webinar: “10,000 Locations and Counting: The Franchise Buyer’s Blueprint.” Learn how we de-risk buying a business and help you find a brand you’ll love. (It’s 100% free.)https://webinars.franchisesidekick.com/ref/LDRCtfTNBbAhWhR

The biggest problem with buying a franchise isn’t the brands — it’s the lack of transparency.

In this episode, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen talk about why franchise buyers often have such a hard time finding real, unbiased information before making a major investment. They break down the problems with paid franchise lists, lead portals, limited franchisee validation, and the lack of true franchise reviews in the industry.

They also introduce Sidekick See Through, Franchise Sidekick’s new platform built to help buyers research brands with more clarity through franchisee reviews, matching tools, territory insights, and brand comparisons.

If you’re considering franchise ownership, this episode will help you understand what questions to ask, what information to look for, and why having the right guidance matters before you invest.