Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

Is an Ice Cream Truck Still Worth it in 2026? (Kona Ice Breakdown)

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch152026Interested in learning about Snap-On Tools? Check out this podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1939809/episodes/18719908The Kona Ice franchise is one of the most recognizable mobile food businesses in the United States, with over 1,800 shaved ice trucks operating across the country. But how much does it actually cost to start a Kona Ice truck, and how much money do franchise owners really make? In this video, I break down the Kona Ice franchise startup costs, royalty fees, and business model, including why the company does not disclose earnings in its Franchise Disclosure Document. We also look at how the business started, why it grew so quickly, and how Kona Ice trucks generate revenue through school events, festivals, and community partnerships. If you're considering buying a mobile food franchise or want to understand how this shaved ice franchise works, this breakdown will walk you through the numbers and the opportunity.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=FEMarch152026🔄 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=FEMarch152026------------------Ready to Build Your Empire?🚨 Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=FEMarch152026Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEMarch152026Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=FEMarch152026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=FEMarch152026Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=FEMarch152026------------------TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Kona Ice Truck Franchise Overview00:22 – What This Video Will Break Down00:40 – How Kona Ice Trucks Make Money01:02 – How Many Kona Ice Trucks Exist01:10 – Startup Costs for a Kona Ice Franchise01:29 – Royalty Structure Explained02:14 – Marketing Fees and Equipment Costs02:32 – The Big Issue: No Earnings Disclosure03:13 – Why Some Franchises Don’t Show Financials04:10 – Free List of Low-Cost Franchises (CTA)04:46 – The Story Behind Kona Ice05:36 – Why Franchising After One Year Is Risky06:16 – Why Kona Never Raised Their Royalty Fees06:30 – Kona Ice Giving Back to Communities06:53 – The Flavorwave System Explained07:28 – Patent Lawsuit Against Tiki Shaved Ice08:02 – Adult Flavor Concepts and Evening Events08:17 – Why Tariq Would Pick Dairy Queen Instead08:30 – Warren Buffett’s $585M Dairy Queen InvestmentLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitat

Does THIS Cleaning Business REALLY Pull In $2M* a Year? (2026 Reality)

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch082026The Maids franchise might be one of the most overlooked “boring businesses” in franchising, but the numbers may surprise you. In this video, I break down the real costs to start a Maids franchise, the franchise fees and royalties owners pay, and the average sales and profits reported in the Franchise Disclosure Document. We’ll also look at how the team-based cleaning system works, why this model is often considered recession resistant, and how owners operate the business without doing the cleaning themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how much money cleaning franchises actually make and whether The Maids franchise could be a good investment, this breakdown walks through the numbers and the business model step by step.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=FEMarch082026🔄 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=FEMarch082026------------------Ready to Build Your Empire?🚨 Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=FEMarch082026💰 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=FEMarch082026------------------Free Resources to Get You Started!Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEMarch082026Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEMarch082026Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=FEMarch082026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=FEMarch082026------------------Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=FEMarch082026------------------TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Intro: A $1.1M Cleaning Business Most People Ignore00:40 – The Maids Franchise History and Business Model02:05 – How the Team-Based Cleaning System Works03:00 – How Many Locations The Maids Has Today03:35 – Franchise Fees and Startup Costs Explained04:45 – Royalty Fees and Marketing Fund05:10 – Average Sales and Profit Margins05:40 – Why Recurring Cleaning Revenue Is Powerful05:55 – Another “Boring Business” Worth ConsideringMy Most Popular Business Videos:https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUghttps://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqsLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offe

You NEED to Know THIS Before Buying a Franchise

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch012026Buying a franchise isn’t something you rush into, and it’s definitely not right for everyone. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down how our team evaluates whether someone is actually a good fit for franchising before they ever invest. We talk about time commitment, personality, coachability, capital, and motivation, plus the red flags we see when someone is moving for the wrong reasons. If you’re considering a franchise in 2026 and want an honest framework to decide whether this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you think clearly before taking the next step.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=FEMarch012026🔄 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=FEMarch012026------------------Free Resources to Get You Started!🚨 Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=💰 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEMarch012026Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEMarch012026Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=FEMarch012026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=FEMarch012026------------------Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=FEMarch012026------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Franchising is a process, not a quick decision1:08 – Why not everyone should buy a franchise2:11 – How we spot poor-fit candidates early3:14 – Why time commitment matters more than people think4:19 – Personality traits of successful franchise owners5:17 – What coachability tells us before due diligence6:47 – Why capital expectations matter7:41 – The role of your “why” in long-term success9:20 – When fear is the wrong reason to buy11:26 – The right way to transition from a W-2My Most Popular Business Videos:https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUghttps://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqsLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered

How Much He Lost Owning a Subway Franchise (Its Bad)

Want to own a franchise that makes WAY more than this Subway? Grab my breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJjan242026What does owning a Subway franchise really look like? In this video, we break down a real store's full financials, sales, labor, rent, royalties, and profit, during a low-performing month when the owner was out of the country. This is a raw look at what it takes to run a food franchise like Subway and why small numbers can cause big problems.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=TJjan242026🔄 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=TJjan242026------------------Ready to Build Your Empire?🚨 Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=TJjan242026💰 Get Business Grants From the Government: https://www.franchiseempire.com/bizgrants?utm_source=TJjan242026------------------Free Resources to Get You Started!Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJjan242026Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=TJjan242026Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=TJjan242026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=TJjan242026------------------Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=TJjan242026------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro: September Financials at Subway0:35 - Adjusted Gross Sales vs Net Sales1:07 - How DoorDash Eats the Profits1:50 - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Breakdown2:31 - Labor Costs & Tips3:12 - Subway Royalty Fees Explained4:05 - Other Monthly Expenses5:05 - Final Profit for the Month5:33 - Why This Month Was So Low6:20 - Absentee Ownership Risks7:10 - Subway’s Decline: Closing Locations7:50 - Final Thoughts on Tip Culture & MarginsMy Most Popular Business Videos:https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUghttps://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqsLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offers can only be made through the delivery of an FDD that is registered and compliant with applicable state laws.Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally pe

One of the Best Service Businesses Under $250K?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJfeb212026Is owning a tool truck actually a smart business in 2026? In this video, I break down how the Snap-on Tools business model works, how much it costs to start, what franchisees are making, and the real pros and cons of a mobile tool business. This is not your typical franchise. There are no royalties, no marketing fees, and they even offer in-house financing. But there’s a catch: when you sell physical products, your margins are very different than service businesses. If you’re looking for a mobile business opportunity under $250K-$500K and want to know whether this is a real path to replacing your income, this breakdown will help you think clearly before making a move. Comment below - would you run a tool truck?------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=TJfeb212026Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJfeb212026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=TJfeb212026🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=TJfeb212026Get High-Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=TJfeb212026------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Is a Tool Truck a Real Business Opportunity?0:29 – What This Business Actually Is0:46 – How Many Units Exist (Proof of Demand)1:01 – Startup Costs & In-House Financing1:52 – Why There’s No Royalty or Marketing Fee3:07 – How Much Tool Truck Owners Make4:04 – Median Sales With vs Without Employees5:51 – Highest & Lowest Performers6:05 – The Margin Reality Most People Miss7:32 – Trivia: First Car Brand to Use Snap-on7:48 – Why Due Diligence Matters8:33 – How This Model StartedMy Most Popular Business Videos:https://youtu.be/EYBKoz68FUghttps://youtu.be/nJtAHaDYenA https://youtu.be/gpWQRflrtDY https://youtu.be/RPe2Sf6eL60 https://youtu.be/NpnFyXi4sAg https://youtu.be/U90fmdWhzCg https://youtu.be/fCLy6cc82Hw https://youtu.be/xQZkfQNkhqsLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions. Franchise opportunities referenced herein may not be available in all states or countries. Offers are only valid where legally permitted and in compliance with local regulations. There is no guarantee of success, profitability, or financial performance. Starting any business including purchasing a franchise, involves inherent risk, and outcomes will vary. No results are promised or assured.Prospective franchisees are strongly encouraged to carefully review the FDD and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors prior to making any franchise investment decisions.