Listen "How to Franchise the Right Way And Avoid Costly Mistakes | The Scaling Podcast EP 15"
Episode Synopsis
Franchising can create freedom—or become a financial trap. It all comes down to who's buying and what they believe they're buying. In this episode of The Scaling Podcast, Aaron Harper sits down with former franchisee and franchise coach Tariq Johnson. Together, they unpack what people get wrong when investing in a franchise, how to identify a good opportunity, and what questions buyers don't ask (but should). Tariq shares hard-won lessons from his own journey as a multi-unit franchisee who walked away—and how he now helps others find the right path to business ownership. Whether you're evaluating your first deal or trying to scale an emerging brand, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a business that lasts. [00:00] – Intro: Meet Tariq Johnson [03:00] – Why Franchising is a Risk (and an Opportunity) [07:30] – From Corporate to Franchise Owner [11:20] – The Hardest Year of His Life [16:40] – Creating a Personal Brand After Franchising [22:15] – Why Most Franchise Buyers Are Unprepared [29:00] – Owning vs. Operating: The Scaling Decision [34:30] – The Money Trap: When Success Becomes a Cage [40:00] – Coaching, Consulting, and Content: A New Chapter [47:50] – Aaron's Take: Why Some Franchisees Win and Others Burn Out [52:30] – Final Advice for Aspiring Franchisees [58:30] – Where to Follow Tariq Ask ChatGPT
More episodes of the podcast The Scaling Podcast With Aaron Harper
From Napkin Ideas to National Scale: Franchising, Exits & Reinvention | The Scaling Podcast EP 31
19/11/2025
Inside Empower's $1.5B Franchising Strategy: Building Brands That Scale | The Scaling Podcast EP 28
06/11/2025
From Doctor to Founder: Building Businesses That Outgrow the Owner | The Scaling Podcast Ep 26
10/10/2025
Ryan Hanley on Focus, ADHD, and Reaching Startup Escape Velocity | The Scaling Podcast EP 23
17/09/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.