Inside Fundraising University: How Mike Bahun Built a Mission-Driven Franchise

From Candidate to Owner: Travis Berding's First 4 Months of Puddle Pools

On this episode of Best Friends in Franchising, we sit down with Travis Berding — four months into owning his Puddle Pools franchise in Marin County — for the honest, unfiltered version of franchise ownership. Travis shares: * What his life looked like before he ever considered franchise ownership * The moment doubt crept in right before he signed * What friends and family really said when he told them he was buying a business * An honest scorecard on how the business is actually doing * What a typical week looks like as an owner * The biggest challenge he didn't see coming * The moment he thought "what did I do?" — and how he got through it * What's surprised him in a good way * How the franchisor relationship has held up, five months in * His advice for anyone standing where he was a year ago This isn't the highlight reel. It's the real version — messy, exciting, and honest.

From Mastercard to Main Street: Elina Greenstein's Leap Into Franchising

She spent nearly a decade negotiating global fintech deals at Mastercard — then walked away from the corner office to run a managed IT franchise out of Bergen County, NJ. No tech background, no industry experience, just a bet on herself. In this episode, Elina Greenstein gets real about what it actually looks like to trade a corporate paycheck for franchise ownership: the skills that translated (and the ones that didn't), the mistake she made in year one that she wishes someone had warned her about, and why she thinks recession-resilient industries like managed IT deserve a second look from anyone who's watched risk and compliance eat their industry alive from the inside. If you've ever sat in a meeting wondering if there's more out there for you — this is the episode that answers that question honestly, highs and lows included.

The Secret Sauce: SPENGA with Nick Clark, Director of Franchise Development

Most franchise opportunities are about as exciting as watching paint dry—except this one. Meet SPENGA, the boutique fitness brand that's blending spin, strength, and yoga into a 60-minute workout revolution—and making it look easy. Nick Clark, the mastermind behind their rapid growth, reveals how tiny studios with just 300 members are turning into revenue monsters.  You'll discover how SPENGA’s trio of pillars creates dedicated communities that stick around—94% retention means members aren’t just fleeting trends—they’re coming back for more, thanks to their low-impact, high-calorie-burning workouts that even Grandma can do (and she’s thinking marathon). We break down: the secret sauce behind their skyrocketing membership numbers, the smart downsizing of studio space, and why a 18-month return on investment is more common than a pizza delivery in Texas. Get the scoop on everything from revenue-boosting add-ons like retail collaborations with Lululemon and red light therapy to secret tips on closing leads and building a business that feels more like family than a gym. This episode is perfect if you're craving a proven franchise model that’s not just a flash in the pan but a powerhouse with roots—plus, an owner mindset that cares about your success and your community.Ready to own a business that changes lives—including your own? If you're passionate about health, community, and smart business growth, this episode is your new playbook.  Spoiler: the leadership team at SPENGA has been doing this for a decade and has the best track record in the fitness space. Don't just chase trends—be part of the future of boutique fitness. Hit play and find out why SPENGA isn’t just spin, strength, and yoga—it's the evolution you’ve been waiting for.

Nailed It: How Aaron Meyers Built a Grooming Empire with Hammer & Nails Grooming

Aaron Meyers, CEO of Hammer and Nails Grooming, is transforming men's grooming with a focus on luxury and personalization. Discover how this franchise is redefining the experience with AI-driven profiles, hot towel mastery, and a stress-free membership model.Step into a modern spa-like environment where every detail—from ambient lighting to personalized drinks—makes you feel like royalty. Aaron shares how Hammer and Nails elevates the grooming experience, making men feel unstoppable.Key insights include: * A membership model with 70% revenue and zero commitments * AI tech for personalized visits, even across the country * Strategies for rapid location growth and hitting 700+ members in 90 days * The underestimated potential of the men’s grooming industry * Innovative nail services for millennials and Gen Z Perfect for aspiring franchise owners and service business operators, this episode is a masterclass in innovative branding and smart expansion. Learn how Hammer and Nails is building a powerhouse franchise—one satisfied gentleman at a time.

Inside Fundraising University: How Mike Bahun Built a Mission-Driven Franchise

In this episode of Best Friends in Franchising, we sit down with Mike Bahun, CEO of Fundraising University, to unpack a franchise model that’s built around impact and opportunity. Mike shares how the brand helps schools and organizations raise serious money while creating a scalable business for franchise owners. We dive into how the model works, what makes it stand out in the franchise space, and why it’s gaining traction with entrepreneurs looking for both purpose and profit. From startup insights to growth potential, this episode gives a real look at what it takes to build a business that truly gives back.