Alex Smereczniak is a serial entrepreneur & CEO of Franzy, making franchise ownership more accessible. Built 2ULaundry & LaundroLab, selling 100+ franchises. Passionate about helping others take big swings in business & life.

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Guest Resources

Franzy Website – Visit Franzy and take the Franzy Fit Score.

Alex’s Email – Contact Alex directly.

3 Value Bombs

1) You don’t need to start with passion to become successful—obsession, commitment, and consistency can forge it over time.

2) Franchising offers a lower-risk path to entrepreneurship with higher long-term success rates than starting from scratch.

3) Fit is everything—choose a franchise based on your personal goals, operational style, and long-term vision.

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ThriveTime Show: Become the next success story, schedule a free consultation and request tickets to join Football Star, Tim Tebow & President Trump’s Son, Eric Trump at Clay Clark’s next business conference today at: ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire!

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Franchising: The Understated Path to Entrepreneurship

[1:26] – Alex shares something that he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

You don’t need to be passionate about what you do to become successful, you need commitment, discipline, and a willingness to get good at something.
Passion often develops from success, not the other way around.

[2:44] – Franchising vs. Starting an Independent Business.

Franchises have higher success rates: 85% still going strong after 5 years vs. 50% for independents.
Built-in systems, peer support, and group buying power are major advantages.
Disadvantages: Less flexibility and autonomy; may feel like a job (especially with mature brands like Chick-fil-A).
Ask: “What has the franchisor done for me lately?” especially in years 4, 5, and beyond.

[7:14] – How to know if franchising is right for you.

Dig deep into your “why” with a five-level questioning exercise.
Evaluate your risk tolerance, time availability, financial readiness, and interest in operational involvement.
Ask: “Could I do this for 10 years?”

[11:11] – A timeout to thank our sponsor.

ThriveTime Show: Become the next success story, schedule a free consultation and request tickets to join Football Star, Tim Tebow & President Trump’s Son, Eric Trump at Clay Clark’s next business conference today at: ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire!

[13:54] – Let’s talk financing.

SBA loans (7a, 504) are common.
ROBS (Rollovers as Business Startups) allow use of retirement funds, penalty-free.
Combine SBA + ROBS to cover startup costs.
Other funding: personal credit, friends/family, angel investors.
Case example: 23-year-old used an investor partnership to launch multiple franchise locations.

[18:09] – Unexpected franchise categories.

Franchising makes up 6% of U.S. GDP—more than just food.
Bio-One: Crime scene and hazardous waste cleanup.
Another Nine: Golf simulator concept—no employees, just private access bays.
Kid Strong: Confidence and fitness programming for kids.
Daisy: Smart home installation services across multiple tech platforms.
Card My Yard: Affordable $10K franchise doing celebratory yard signage.

[23:36] – Final advice: Know your why, then find your fit.

Use Franzy.com to explore franchises like you would house shop on Zillow.
Take the Franzy Fit Score quiz for personalized recommendations
Fit with the brand, people, and your long-term vision is everything

[25:29] – Call to Action

Franzy Website – Visit Franzy and take the Franzy Fit Score.
Alex’s Email – Contact Alex directly.

[26:48] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

ThriveTime Show: Become the next success story, schedule a free consultation and request tickets to join Football Star, Tim Tebow & President Trump’s Son, Eric Trump at Clay Clark’s next business conference today at: ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire!

Killer Resources!

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