Franchising can create freedom—or become a financial trap. It all comes down to who’s buying and what they believe they’re buying.

In this episode of The Scaling Podcast, Aaron Harper sits down with former franchisee and franchise coach Tariq Johnson. Together, they unpack what people get wrong when investing in a franchise, how to identify a good opportunity, and what questions buyers don’t ask (but should).

Tariq shares hard-won lessons from his own journey as a multi-unit franchisee who walked away—and how he now helps others find the right path to business ownership.

Whether you're evaluating your first deal or trying to scale an emerging brand, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a business that lasts.

[00:00] – Intro: Meet Tariq Johnson

[03:00] – Why Franchising is a Risk (and an Opportunity)

[07:30] – From Corporate to Franchise Owner

[11:20] – The Hardest Year of His Life

[16:40] – Creating a Personal Brand After Franchising

[22:15] – Why Most Franchise Buyers Are Unprepared

[29:00] – Owning vs. Operating: The Scaling Decision

[34:30] – The Money Trap: When Success Becomes a Cage

[40:00] – Coaching, Consulting, and Content: A New Chapter

[47:50] – Aaron’s Take: Why Some Franchisees Win and Others Burn Out

[52:30] – Final Advice for Aspiring Franchisees

[58:30] – Where to Follow Tariq

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