The Executive Connect Podcast
The Executive Connect Podcast
Podcast Description
This is the Executive Connect Podcast - a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth - all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers - but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes around leadership, personal growth, and innovative business strategies. Episodes cover topics like franchising pitfalls, overcoming corporate burnout, financial strategies for self-employed individuals, and effective team leadership in engineering. For example, a recent episode focused on franchise investment mistakes, while another tackled entrepreneurial strategies for fostering purposeful growth.
This is the Executive Connect Podcast – a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth – all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers – but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.
Guest:
Cliff Nonnenmacher
Franchise Consultant | CEO of Elite Franchise Advisors
LinkedIn
Host:
Melissa Aarskaug
Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect
Episode Overview:
In this powerhouse episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cliff Nonnenmacher, former Wall Street insider turned franchise empire builder. Cliff shares the truth about franchising—the good, the bad, and the financially ugly. Whether you’re a high-income earner looking to escape the corporate grind or simply exploring new paths to build wealth, this episode is packed with real talk. Cliff dives into what actually works in franchising, the #1 mistake to avoid, and why “passive income” might be the biggest myth of all. From a cartridge business that scaled to closets that bring in $9M/year, this conversation delivers both insight and fire. We spoke about:
- What franchise trends are booming—and which are dying
- The five winning franchise categories you should keep your eye on
- What makes franchises actually fail (hint: it’s not the economy)
- How to approach franchising with realistic expectations and strategic planning
- ROBS funding, hiring hacks, and the ultimate exit strategy
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Harsh Truth About Franchising
01:18 – Meet Cliff: From Wall Street to Franchises
04:43 – First Franchise Win: Printer Cartridge Empire
07:21 – What Wall Street Taught Him About Scale
10:01 – Franchising Trends You Need to Know
14:25 – 5 Winning Franchise Categories (Tools, Pets, Aging, Biohacking, Education)
21:03 – Why Franchises Really Fail
25:11 – The 41 Principle of Hiring and Leadership
28:29 – Should You Quit Your Job to Franchise?
32:36 – Passive Income Myths and Airbnb Reality Check
34:04 – Franchise vs. Building From Scratch: Who Wins?
40:14 – Exit Strategy: Multiples & Liquidity Explained
45:11 – Eye-Opening Franchise Funding Strategy (ROBS)
49:34 – Final Thoughts + Where to Find Cliff
Connect With Us:
Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect
Social:
Melissa Aarskaug LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X (Twitter): https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.