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.

Discover how Dan Frey turned a career setback into the national franchise The Glass Guru! Learn about entrepreneurship, franchising, and innovation in home improvement in this inspiring episode.

In Episode 108 of the Unpredicted Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Dan Frey, founder and president of The Glass Guru. Hear Dan's incredible journey from losing his job during his honeymoon to launching a cutting-edge business restoring foggy windows, saving homeowners money and creating a unique franchise opportunity.

You'll get insight into:

• The founding story behind The Glass Guru

• Taking a garage startup to a booming national brand

• Valuable tips on franchising and entrepreneurship

• How innovation and resilience can turn setbacks into opportunity

• The power of business systems and bringing professional skills to the trades

Thinking about buying a franchise or starting your business? Dan Frey offers tips for aspiring owners and shares why The Glass Guru is ideal even for those WITHOUT glass or home improvement backgrounds.

Ready to break free from the corporate world and redefine success? In Episode 107 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Mudar Sapatwalla, CEO and owner of TeamLogic IT of HEB (Hurst Euless Bedford), to explore his remarkable journey from nearly 30 years in Corporate America to passionate business ownership.

Facing looming layoffs and a desire for true independence, Mudar Sapatwalla took a courageous leap, leveraging his technical expertise and business roots to build a thriving IT franchise. In this candid conversation, he shares the practical steps he took, including financial planning, choosing the right franchise fit, and shifting his focus from technology to sales and relationship-building.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to plan your escape from “golden handcuffs”

• The power of a franchise support network and owner collaboration

• Why finding the right cultural fit matters as much as financial success

• The challenges (and rewards) of small business IT for SMBs

• Essential tips for starting your own business—including how to build a runway and choose your clients wisely

Whether you’re dreaming of entrepreneurship or looking for tips to grow your business, this episode will inspire you to take that first step, embrace mistakes, and create a business that’s rewarding—personally and professionally.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “I can’t do this anymore?” That was the reality for our guest, Tonya Middleton, who faced underemployment, raising four kids, and feeling isolated in a new state. In this episode, Tonya shares her inspiring journey from feeling stuck to reigniting her purpose by buying her dream franchise, More Space Place of DFW.

Join hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske as they dive into Tonya’s story: navigating six months of red tape, learning CAD, driving a forklift, all while launching her new business in the middle of spring break with four kids at home. This episode isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about starting over, finding yourself, and inspiring your family along the way.

Discover the challenges Tonya faced, how she overcame the SBA loan process, and lessons learned about networking, self-promotion, and the power of asking questions. Hear how owning More Space Place has changed her life, brought her family closer, and why she believes there’s no “perfect time” to start a business.

If you’re considering entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, or simply looking for an authentic story of perseverance, hope, and transformation, this episode is for you.

Want to learn more about franchising or connect with us? Check the links in the description for resources and contact info!

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/

In Episode 105 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, we sit down with Brigham Dallas, the owner and CEO of Hello Sugar, for a conversation packed with hustle, innovation, and an incredible story of growth. Discover how Brigham went from selling golf balls at age 7 to running the largest worm distribution business in America, and eventually building one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the nation.

Hear how Hello Sugar started in a humble 10x10 room behind a surgeon’s office and quickly evolved into a nationally recognized franchise with over 200 locations, and counting! Brigham shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what makes his franchise model unique, and why having corporate employees who are also franchisees creates a powerful, collaborative culture.

We also dive into the innovative approach Hello Sugar uses for launching new franchisees, the company’s receptionless technology powered by AI, and exciting new streams of revenue on the horizon. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner looking for ideas, or just love a good origin story, this episode is full of actionable tips and inspiration.

Thinking of franchising, or want to learn more about Hello Sugar? Watch till the end for Brigham’s advice and ways to connect for opportunities.

Interested in learning more? Explore the links in the description to connect with Sara, Roxanne, and their franchising resources.

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/

Welcome to Episode 104 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this episode, hosts Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske sit down with Christian Buck (COO), Thomas Reinhard (CFO), and Cal Freatman (CEO), the founders behind Cascadia Pizza, a food truck turned franchise success story! Discover how Christian’s wedding pizza recipes, Tom’s business insight, and Cal’s entrepreneurial drive turned a tiny, 300-square-foot shop into a thriving, multi-location brand. Hear the inspiring origin story of Cascadia Pizza, learn about their unique pizza creations (think pear and apple on pizza!), and the radical support and real community that fuels their growth. Get insider tips on launching a food business, franchising in the restaurant industry, and how Cascadia Pizza built multiple revenue streams with food trucks, catering, and brick-and-mortar locations.

🔥 Highlights include:

-How food trucks kept their pizza business thriving during COVID

-The path to profitability for new franchisees

-Real talk on franchising, community impact, and legacy-building

-The story of a young employee who rose from washing dough pans to franchise owner

-What makes Cascadia Pizza a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs of any background

If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, franchising, or searching for the next great pizza franchise, this episode is for you!

👇 Interested in learning more? Visit cascadiapizzaco.com and explore the links in the description to connect with Sara, Roxanne, and their franchising resources.

Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/

Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/

FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw

Discover more about our franchise consulting at https://www.frannet.com/