Most parents know the version of youth sports that feels like a second job. Early morning practices, weekend tournaments, the quiet pressure to pick a sport and commit before a child has figured out what they actually enjoy. Sportball was built as the antidote to all of it. Founded in…

Franchising a business is not a single event. It is a series of decisions, each one made at a different stage of growth, each one carrying its own set of risks. For brands navigating that journey without a roadmap, the margin for error compounds quickly. For those who work alongside…

“As we enter 2026, the economics of franchise growth have reached an inflection point where time saved has become the single most critical factor in predicting long-term success,” said Sam Phelps. In a late-January launch from Fort Worth, his team at Franchise Now introduced DreamStart; an AI-guided funding and onboarding…

Some businesses are built from spreadsheets and market research. Others start with a craving after a long workout, a stare of wonder at a dessert topping bar, and the kind of loyalty that sneaks up on you before you ever realize it has arrived. For Neil Hershman, the story of…

When you talk to Daniel McCarty, you don’t get the feeling you’re speaking to a man tinkering at the edges of an old idea. You get the feeling you’re talking to someone tearing the whole thing down, just to rebuild it better. From his home base in San Antonio, McCarty…

Franchising is often celebrated for its proven systems, recognizable branding, and strong corporate support. However, the true competitive advantage often comes from the hidden heroes who work diligently behind the scenes, providing specialized expertise that franchisees rely on. Pestmaster’s own Mariah Baggio-Deibler, affectionately known as “Dr. Bugs,” exemplifies this invaluable…