{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Real Cost of Buying a Franchise in 2026","description":"Think franchises are all burgers, fries, and regret? Rich Potter says you\u2019re looking in the wrong aisle. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with Rich Potter, founder of Franchise Heroes, to talk about what franchising really looks like in 2026. Not the shiny brochure version. The real version. Rich breaks down how franchise ownership works, what it costs, how people fund it, and why the right franchise can be a smart move for someone who is done letting corporate America hold the leash. They also dig into licensing vs. franchising, the truth about \u201cbusiness in a box,\u201d and why senior care may be one of the biggest franchise opportunities sitting in plain sight.   \ud83c\udf78 What you'll hear in this episode: Why franchising is way bigger than food and beverage The difference between a franchise and a licensing agreement What an FDD is and why you better read it Typical franchise costs in 2026 Why many owners buy more than one territory How SBA loans and ROBS funding come into play Why \u201cbusiness in a box\u201d still needs a real operator What makes a franchisor worth betting on How to turn an existing business into a franchise Why senior care is getting Rich\u2019s vote right now   \ud83d\udca1 Notable Takeaway: \u201cYou don\u2019t have to reinvent the wheel. Just use what other people have done successfully and replicate it in your market, and you know, off to the races.\u201d   \ud83d\udc64 About our Guest: Rich Potter is the founder of Franchise Heroes, where he helps people explore franchise ownership without the hype, smoke, or sales circus. He works with professionals in transition, veterans, and future business owners who want a real shot at building something that fits their life.   \ud83c\udfa7 Why Listen: Thinking about buying a franchise, leaving corporate life, or turning your own business into a franchise model? Hit play before you sign anything, wire money, or tell your boss where to park their quarterly review.   \ud83d\udd17 Links + Stuff Franchise Heroes: https:\/\/franchiseheroes.co LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rich-potter-533381a\/ Substack: https:\/\/franchiseheroes.substack.com\/    \ud83d\udd14 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe so you don\u2019t miss future conversations on business growth, funding, strategy, and the stuff most people don\u2019t explain clearly. If this episode helped, a quick rating or review goes a long way. It helps the show reach more business owners who actually care about getting this right.     \ud83c\udfa7 Listen or watch The Liquid Lunch Project Available on all major podcast and video platforms: \u2022 Official site: https:\/\/theliquidlunchproject.com \u2022 Apple Podcasts: https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-liquid-lunch-project\/ \u2022 Spotify: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/12HPEDMmsbfsp8tHt5LiZJ \u2022 Audible: https:\/\/shorturl.at\/6j4vz\u2022 YouTube (full episodes + clips): https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Credit_Banc     \ud83d\udcec Want more than just the podcast? Every Friday, we publish The Weekly. A fast, smart rundown of what actually matters in finance, tech, small business, and the economy\u2026without the noise. Subscribe here: \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com\/     \ud83d\udcbc Need funding or working capital? If today\u2019s conversation raised questions about capital, cash flow, or financing options, you can schedule a conversation with our sponsor, Credit Banc. Credit Banc helps business owners make sense of their options and move forward with a clear plan, without pressure or guesswork. \ud83d\udc49 Book a free 15-minute call here: https:\/\/shorturl.at\/LwxsA     ","author_name":"The Liquid Lunch Project","author_url":"https:\/\/theliquidlunchproject.com","html":"