---
title: 20+ Years of Franchise Investing Advice in 35 Minutes
description: 20+ Years of Franchise Investing Advice in 35 Minutes
---

[The BetterWealth Show](https://info.betterwealth.com/blog/the-betterwealth-show)

# [20+ Years of Franchise Investing Advice in 35 Minutes](https://info.betterwealth.com/blog/the-betterwealth-show/20-years-of-franchise-investing-advice-in-35-minutes-erik-van-horn)

 Written by [Caleb Guilliams](https://info.betterwealth.com/blog/the-betterwealth-show/author/caleb-guilliams) | Jan 19, 2025 5:03:12 AM

Franchising often gets a bad rap among entrepreneurs, but it can be a lucrative endeavor, especially when approached passively. Eric Van Horn, a top franchise advisor and entrepreneur, joins BetterWealth to discuss the intricacies of franchise investing.

## Eric Van Horn: A Franchise Success Story

Eric scaled his first franchise to 42 locations in Austin, Texas, went on to acquire eight more brands, launched one as a franchiser, and successfully exited through an eight-figure private equity sale.

### Why Consider a Franchise?

Franchises can provide a solid path to passive income. They offer a tried-and-tested model of business success.

- Reduced Risk with proven business models
- Established Brand Recognition
- Support and Training from the Franchisor

### Potential Cons

- Initial and ongoing franchise fees
- Limited Control over business operations
- Geographical limitations

## The Financial Requirements

The franchise business has evolved, and it's currently advised to have a minimum investment of $100,000, though $200,000 is more realistic.

- **Initial Investment:** $100,000 - $200,000
- **Franchise Fees:** Typically around $50,000
- **Additional Costs:** Leasehold improvements, staff training, marketing, etc.

## Paths to Consider

When considering a franchise investment, there are two primary paths:

1. **Hands-on Approach:** Operate the franchise yourself.
2. **Semi-absentee Ownership:** Hire an operator to manage day-to-day operations.

### Factors to Evaluate

When exploring franchise opportunities, consider these factors:

- **Market Fit:** Evaluate the business's performance in similar markets.
- **Brand Support:** Ensure robust support systems are in place from the franchisor.
- **Existing Franchisees:** Talk to them; learn from their successes and challenges.

## The ROI Perspective

Franchise fees should be viewed as an investment, with expectations for returns. Successful franchises often provide ROI through:

- Brand recognition and customer base
- Training programs and marketing support
- Peer support within the franchise network

Considering a franchise can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and assessment, it could lead to significant financial success.

[View full post](https://info.betterwealth.com/blog/the-betterwealth-show/20-years-of-franchise-investing-advice-in-35-minutes-erik-van-horn)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Caleb Guilliams"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-01-19T05:03:20.755Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-01-19T05:03:12Z",
  "headline" : "20+ Years of Franchise Investing Advice in 35 Minutes",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 360,
    "url" : "https://46932579.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46932579/Imported_Blog_Media/hqdefault-Jan-19-2025-01-19-12-0400-AM.jpg",
    "width" : 480
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://info.betterwealth.com/blog/the-betterwealth-show/20-years-of-franchise-investing-advice-in-35-minutes-erik-van-horn",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "The BetterWealth Show"
  }
}
```