Unpredicted Entrepreneur

From Stuck to Strong: How Tonya Rebuilt Purpose Through Franchising

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/

How A Tiny Room Became A Million Dollar Brand

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/

How a Wedding Pizza Sparked a National Brand

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 backgroundIf 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/

Burnout to Breakthrough: How Rod Rebuilt His Business and Himself

Welcome to Episode 103 of Unpredicted Entrepreneur! In this must-listen podcast, we’re diving into franchising, small business ownership, and entrepreneurship with our incredible guest, Rod Floyd of CMIT Solutions of Arlington.Rod opens up about his journey from corporate layoffs at Verizon to running his own IT franchise, and the tough lessons he learned along the way—like the dangers of doing everything yourself, the power of delegation, and finding fulfillment through community and networking. Rod shares real stories of hitting rock bottom, bouncing back, and how letting go of control helped his business soar with government contracts, multi-location deals, and industry recognition.Whether you’re considering franchising, looking for business inspiration, or searching for practical entrepreneurial tips, this episode has you covered! Listen in to hear honest advice about overcoming burnout, embracing your strengths, and building a business that works for you—not the other way around.#Franchising #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwnership #Podcast #CMITSolutions #UnpredictedEntrepreneur #StartupStory #BusinessTips #inspiration 👇 Find links to learn more about franchising, entrepreneurship, and how to contact Rod below!Looking for outsourced IT help in Arlington? Visit www.cmitsolutions.com/arlington or call 682-277-3930.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 

How This Couple Pivoted Into a Booming Fence Business

Discover the truth about franchising and business ownership! In this episode of Unpredicted Entrepreneur, Sara Waskow and Roxanne Rapske talk with Joe and Mandy Chapman, owners of Stand Strong Fencing of Fort Worth, about their journey from the mortgage industry to running a thriving fencing franchise. Learn the real benefits of franchising, how support from Horsepower Brands helped them scale quickly, the challenges of business pivots, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including why franchising is more than just “french fries” and how transferable skills like project management and sales can lead to success. Tune in for actionable tips on starting and growing your own business, building organic leads, and balancing risk with passion. Don’t forget to subscribe for insights and inspiration from real-life entrepreneurs!This video features insights into the world of franchise business and franchise ownership, as shared on the entrepreneurship podcast. Stay tuned for motivation and valuable information covering various franchising businesses and franchise models.#Franchising #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnership #FranchiseSuccess#UnpredictedEntrepreneur #podcast 👇 Connect with Us:Contact Stand Strong Fencing of Fort Worth: 817-767-3034Connect with Sara https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawaskow/ Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannerapske/ FREE Franchising Resources - https://linktr.ee/Frannetdfw 👍 Like, comment, and share if you found this episode helpful! 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about franchising and entrepreneurship.