Ready to learn what truly sets successful franchises apart? In episode 111 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, hosts Roxanne Rapske and Sara Waskow sit down with brothers Justin Donat and Raymond Donat, the founders of True North Restoration, to discuss the real keys to thriving in business ownership and franchising.

Discover why building a business on strong values and company culture is more important than flashy resumes or industry experience. From their beginnings in carpet cleaning to growing a successful restoration franchise, Justin Donat and Raymond Donat reveal how leadership, servant mentality, and collaboration have shaped their journey.

You'll hear about:

• The benefits of franchising for entrepreneurs, including brand recognition, market resilience, and support networks

• How to transition from an independent business to a franchise model

• What makes the ideal franchisee and why a servant’s heart is crucial in any franchise business

• The challenges and rewards of business ownership versus remaining an employee

Whether you're considering buying a franchise, starting your own business, or just want expert franchising tips, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, Mike Bahun, founder of ‪Fundraising University
shares his journey and how he's changing school fundraising. Discover innovative fundraising strategies and practical fundraising tips to help schools with raising money more effectively. This video emphasizes creating a more meaningful approach to school fundraiser efforts.

You’ll hear about:

• How Mike Bahun went from foster care and inner-city challenges to finding purpose through sports and coaching

• The innovative way Fundraising University is changing school fundraising, no more door-to-door sales or candy bars!

• The transition from running an independent business to creating a fast-growing franchise, and what it took to scale nationwide

• What makes a great Fundraising University owner, with insights on mindset, overcoming common misconceptions, and finding your “why”

• Why modern school fundraising is essential, even in affluent districts and how

• Mike's mission helps close critical funding gaps for students

If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, franchising, or just want to do work that matters, you don't want to miss this episode.

Welcome to Episode 109 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur. Today's episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial reinvention! Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they welcome Mike Pearce, founder and Chief Development Officer of Renew Medic, to explore how decades of franchise experience, and a "retirement" that didn't stick, sparked an industry-changing venture.

Mike grew up in franchising, inspired by watching his dad buy his first Pizza Hut in 1967. After holding leadership roles at Domino’s, ServiceMaster, and Authority Brands, Mike thought he’d hung up his entrepreneurial hat. But when the chance came to transform how disaster restoration is done, he couldn’t stay away.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Renew Medic took root from the existing Furniture Medic brand and why the old model needed a reboot

• What makes Renew Medic’s cabinet restoration model so unique (think: fast turnarounds, cost savings, and families staying in their homes instead of moving out during repairs)

• The importance of insurance company partnerships and what it means for franchisees

• Who makes the ideal Renew Medic franchise owner, and what success looks like in this business

• Mike’s expert advice for anyone curious about franchising: what questions to ask, what to watch out for, and how to spot a winning team and culture

Whether you’re a franchise veteran, restoration pro, or just love stories of business transformation, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.