To kick off the new year, Sean interviews Nichole Daher, the founder of Success on the Spectrum, a ground breaking franchise dedicated to providing essential care for children with autism. Nicole shares her personal journey, which began as a quest to find adequate support for her own autistic daughter, leading her to create a thriving business model that has expanded to 78 locations across 20 states since its inception in 2018. They delve into the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the unique advantages of the franchise model, including its recession-resistant nature and the strong community of franchisees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The journey began with a personal need to find quality care for an autistic child, which led to the realisation of a larger demand for such services. This highlights the importance of recognising and addressing unmet needs in the market.

The business model proved to be recession-resistant, thriving even during the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting services to meet the needs of families and school districts. This demonstrates the value of flexibility and innovation in business.

The decision to franchise the business model allowed for rapid expansion, enabling others to participate in a proven system while helping to meet the growing demand for autism services across the country.

The commitment to providing high-quality, one-on-one care sets the business apart from competitors. This focus on quality not only benefits the children receiving services but also builds trust with families and enhances the brand’s reputation.

Building a supportive community among franchisees fosters collaboration and shared learning. This network allows franchise owners to help each other solve problems and improve their operations, creating a positive environment for growth and success.

BEST MOMENTS

“I discovered that 80 to 90% of all ABA therapy places across the country only accept and treat kids up to age seven. And then they just push them off into the school system.”

“We were very fortunate that my business model is an essential healthcare service. So we were able to technically stay open, but we also flipped the script a little bit.”

“It seemed like a dark moment for you, but it actually turned out to be kind of a proving point where you got right through it.”

“I came into this prepared to lose money. It was going to be a tax write-off from my daughter. And when we made money, I was like, ‘Oh!'”

“We have served over 6,000 families since the inception of Success on the Spectrum. And so that is very impactful.”

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/