In this episode of the Expert Insight Interview, host John Golden talks with John Ostenson, CEO of Banbridge Consulting. John is also the author of the best-selling book Non-Food Franchising. He shares what he knows about owning a franchise that doesn’t sell food.
What Is Non-Food Franchising?
When people hear the word “franchise,” they often think of fast food. But not all franchises sell food. Non-food franchises can be in pet care, cleaning, health, or even home repair. These types of businesses can be easier to run and make money.
Two Ways to Be a Franchise Owner
John explains there are two common ways to run a franchise:
- Full-time owner – You work in the business every day.
- Executive model – You keep your job and hire someone to run the franchise.
This gives people choices based on their time and goals.
Why Franchises Work Well
Owning a franchise means you’re not starting from scratch. The business already has a plan that works. You get support, tools, and training. This helps lower the risk of failing. You also get to learn from other people who own the same franchise.
Picking the Right Franchise for You
Choosing a franchise can feel hard. John’s company works with over 600 brands. They help people find one that fits their budget, skills, and interests. He also helps them avoid bad or fake info online. His goal is to make it simple and clear.
How Much Does It Cost?
Starting a franchise can cost between $150,000 and $400,000, but there are ways to pay for it. Some people use SBA loans, which are government-issued small business loans. Others use retirement money through ROBS. John helps people find the best option.
Do You Need Experience?
No! Most people who buy a franchise don’t have experience in that business. But they do have skills they can use—like sales, customer service, or leading teams. These skills help them succeed.
What Franchises Do Well?
Some types of businesses stay strong no matter what:
- Home services (like repairs or cleaning)
- Health and wellness
- Senior care
- Pet care
- Children’s education
Some new franchises are also getting popular—like hormone therapy clinics or renting walls for construction jobs.
What Makes a Good Franchise Owner?
Two things matter most:
- Being good with people
- Following the system
You don’t have to be super outgoing, but you should be friendly. And you need to follow the rules of the franchise. If you like doing things your own way, franchising might not be for you.
Know What to Expect
Running a business is hard work. You need to be ready and know what it takes. The best time to learn is before you start. Good franchises give strong support, like training and marketing help. That support makes a big difference when problems come up.
How Franchising Is Changing
Today, many franchises don’t need big stores or offices. Some let you work from home or manage services on the go. This change got faster during COVID-19, and it’s here to stay.
John says it’s smart to choose a franchise that:
- Can last a long time
- Offers services people always need
- Can adapt to change
Final Thoughts
This interview shares helpful tips for anyone thinking about owning a franchise. John Ostenson shows how non-food franchises offer a great way to start a business. They give you support, a plan, and the chance to grow.
He offers a free digital copy of his book Non-Food Franchising and 100% free consulting help. To learn more, you can connect with him at Banbridge Consulting.
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
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