On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting, a top 1% franchise consultant, multi-brand franchise owner, and real estate investor. They explore the opportunities in franchising, why non-food businesses are attracting investors, and how franchise ownership can fit into a broader wealth-building strategy.
Jon explains how franchising gives entrepreneurs a proven business model, established systems, training, and a network of fellow owners who can share what works and what doesn't. He discusses how technology and AI are creating new opportunities for franchisees, particularly in fragmented industries where local businesses may be less sophisticated operationally. He also shares why the right franchise owner needs to balance following the established playbook with finding ways to improve their individual operation.
The conversation takes a closer look at what makes a franchise suitable for semi-involved ownership, why having the right manager is essential, and how much responsibility still falls on the business owner. Jon shares his perspective on the differences between food and non-food franchises, explaining why he gravitates toward needs-based businesses with recurring revenue, manageable overhead, and services that customers will continue to need.
Jonathan and Jon also explore the overlap between franchising and real estate investing, including property management, home services, renovation businesses, and companies that generate off-market property leads. Jon shares examples of franchise opportunities across senior care, insurance adjusting, Pilates, environmental testing, artificial turf, pool cleaning, septic services, and more. He also discusses the potential tax benefits of business ownership and how a franchise can provide diversification, cash flow, and greater control within an investment portfolio.
Finally, Jon explains the personality traits that tend to translate well to franchise ownership, why some highly independent entrepreneurs may struggle within a franchise system, and how prospective owners can evaluate a franchise before committing. He also shares how his consulting process helps people discover industries they may never have considered and why franchising can offer a faster path into business ownership than searching for an existing company to buy.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How franchising provides a proven business model, built-in support, and a network of fellow franchise owners
- Why non-food, needs-based businesses with recurring revenue are attracting franchise investors
- What it takes to operate a franchise semi-involved and why hiring the right manager matters
- How franchise ownership can complement real estate investing through property services and other adjacent businesses
- What to evaluate before buying a franchise, from startup costs and tax considerations to personal fit and the franchisor's support system
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Supporting Resources
Connect with Jon:
Website - https://franbridgeconsulting.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBC
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/
Connect with Jonathan:
Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com
YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere
Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene
Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting
Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com
Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties
This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
