216 | Non-Food Franchising, Business Ownership, and Finding Hidden Cashflow Opportunities with Jon Ostenson

In this episode of *Million Dollar Flip Flops*, Rodric sits down with Jon Ostenson, franchise consultant, author, and expert in non-food franchising, for a practical conversation about business ownership, cashflow, and the surprising opportunities most people never realize exist. Jon shares how he went from the corporate world into franchising, eventually becoming president of a franchise system and later helping hundreds of people step into business ownership. He explains why franchising is much broader than fast food, why “non-sexy” businesses often create great cashflow, and how people can explore franchise ownership without wasting time or money. The conversation also covers common franchise misconceptions, how much money it really takes to get started, why service-based businesses can be powerful, and why sometimes the best opportunity is in an industry you never expected. ## **In This Episode, You’ll Learn** - Why franchising is not just fast food - What non-food franchising actually includes - Why “boring” businesses can be great cashflow machines - The biggest misconceptions about franchise ownership - How franchise consultants help people find the right fit - Why most clients buy in industries they never expected - What it really costs to get started in a franchise - Why contrarian thinking can be a business advantage ## **Highlights & Timestamps** **\[00:00] Hidden opportunities in franchising** Jon explains why most franchise buyers end up in industries that were never on their radar. **\[01:00] Meet Jon Ostenson** Jon shares his background in corporate, franchising, and helping people step into business ownership. **\[02:00] Why non-food franchising?** Jon explains why he focuses on non-food franchises and why there may be easier ways to make money than food. **\[03:00] Misconceptions about franchises** The conversation explores the myth that franchises run themselves and why every business still requires effort. **\[04:00] Finding the right opportunity** Jon shares how his consulting process helps people navigate hundreds of franchise options. **\[05:00] Non-sexy is the new sexy** Rodric and Jon discuss why simple, unglamorous businesses often generate strong cashflow. **\[06:00] Examples of franchise opportunities** Jon shares examples including dumpsters, floor resurfacing, pool cleaning, teen driving schools, senior care, pet businesses, and more. **\[07:00] How Jon helps for free** Jon explains how his consulting model works and why clients do not pay extra to work with him. **\[09:00] Question for the next guest** Jon asks: What are you doing that is contrarian? **\[10:00] Outlook on the economy** Jon answers Eugene Gershman’s question and shares why he is bullish on the economy and small business growth. **\[12:00] What it really costs to buy a franchise** Jon explains that many service-based franchises fall in the $150,000 to $300,000 all-in investment range, with financing options available. **\[14:00] Final thoughts** Jon invites listeners to reach out and explore whether franchise ownership could be a fit. ## **Notable Quotes** “Probably 90% of our clients end up purchasing something in an industry that was never on their radar.” – Jon Ostenson “Whenever I would hear the F word—franchise—I’d think fast food.” – Jon Ostenson “My humble belief is there are easier ways to make money.” – Jon Ostenson “Non-sexy is the new sexy when it comes to business ownership.” – Jon Ostenson “There’s a lot of noise out there, and that’s where we come in.” – Jon Ostenson “I think oftentimes peo**https://franbridgeconsulting.com/**ple fear the idea of being contrarian.” – Jon Ostenson ## **Connect with Jon Ostenson** - **🌐 Website:https://franbridgeconsulting.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://franbridgeconsulting.com/** - **🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/** - **📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1** - **▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBC** - **🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/Jon\_Ostenson** ## **Connect with Rodric** 🎙 *Million Dollar Flip Flops Podcast* 📖 *Million Dollar Flip Flops* 🌍 Send a Student Leader Abroad If this episode helped you, share it with someone who wants to own a business but does not know where to start. **Resources:** Million Dollar Flip Flops Follow Us on Insta Ready to transform your business and your life while making a difference? 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